All Gender WCs at the University of Hamburg

The University of Hamburg aims to provide its members with a discrimination-free study and work environment. This includes all-gender and accessible bathrooms. 

Trans and intersex individuals frequently face discrimination while using bathrooms. From being attributed a gender that does not align with one’s gender identity to forced outings and sexual assaults—bathrooms often do not provide a safe space. The University has thus devised a all gender WC concept (German PDF) attempting to meet the various interests and needs. This includes University-wide assessments of existing facilities, modernizations, and new building plans.

Already, all gender WCs are an integral part of our daily lives without being consciously perceived as such, for instance in bars, restaurants, and our own homes. Ending gender segregation will benefit a wide array of people: nonbinary people; fathers who want to change their kids’ nappies (mostly, only women’s bathrooms are equipped with changing tables); transgender men who are menstruating (period products are mostly available in women’s bathrooms only); people with a disability whose assistants have another gender, etc. all gender WCs are an important step towards equal participation.