Vancouver says it loud and proud: ‘Trans people welcome’
Vancouver has introduced trans-friendly toilet signs in all buildings run by the city government.
The third-biggest city in Canada, which has long been a supporter of LGBT rights, voted through a plan last year to make the west-coast location even more LGBT-friendly.
The signs, which will have a message reading “Trans People Welcome” rather than a symbol, are part of a strategy which also includes senior staff training and re-assessing the city’s grant priorities.
City Manager Sadhu Johnston said: “Everyone has the right to safe and inclusive washroom facilities. This change is another step forward towards ensuring equality and inclusion for all.
“This updated signage aims to help trans*, gender variant and two-spirit individuals feel safer accessing the washroom facility they most identify with.”
A city spokesperson emphasised that “many trans*, gender variant and two-spirit individuals face discrimination and even barriers to basic forms of human needs.”
They added: “We are committed to ensuring staff and citizens feel safe and welcome.”
Unlike many of their counterparts south of the border, Vancouver schools voted through a motion for gender-neutral toilets in 2014.
And the city has had permanent rainbow crossings ever since putting them in place for Pride Week 2013.
Vancouver also saw Prime Minister Justin Trudeau become the first sitting leader to lead the annual Pride parade last year.
An interdepartmental City staff team is overseeing the implementation of the recommendations.
