Part of creating a gender-inclusive campus is to remove gender-segregated spaces which might lead to transgender, non-binary and two-spirit individuals experiencing negative confrontations or situations.
Washroom signage at all JIBC campuses has been updated to be more inclusive of people of all genders. This includes accessible, single-stall, gender-inclusive washrooms, referred to as “Universal” washrooms.
If you believe there to be an issue where an individual is behaving in an unsafe manner (e.g. lurking, inappropriate touching, etc.), please call security at 604.818.6922.
If you have additional questions, email us.
Building a gender-inclusive campus is a priority for many institutions, and JIBC is no exception. Many transgender, non-binary and two-spirit individuals are at higher risk for harassment or assault when accessing gender-segregated spaces. As a result, they are less likely to use such facilities to avoid possible negative confrontations and experiences.
Updating the washroom signage to be more inclusive of people of all genders is a step in JIBC’s long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion. Safe access to washroom facilities is a fundamental human right.
In July 2016, the BC Human Rights Code was updated to protect individuals for their gender identity and expression. This further supports the legal precedence in BC which allows a transgender individual to use the washroom that aligns with their self-determined gender.
Installing inclusive washroom signage is a beginning step in a broader set of action items that JIBC has identified over the next few years, with the goal of building a gender-inclusive campus.
Yes. Signage changes will be implemented across all JIBC facilities.
Signage for change rooms is a more complicated issue due to the current configuration of the shower facilities. Signage will be replaced when we are able to renovate the spaces to support private areas appropriately. JIBC is committed to making these renovations, but this change will take more time.
If you need a private change room before we are able to complete these renovations, please email Inclusive Campus, and we will be happy to provide alternatives.
The design reflects the leading best practices of inclusive signage. A notable feature is a shift from using traditional gender icons to function-based icons (e.g. a toilet).
JIBC engaged the services and subject-matter expertise of TransFocus Consulting.
JIBC recognizes that there is still a need for education and awareness around gender identity and inclusive access to restrooms. Often there is the misconception that transgender individuals are required to use the Universal washroom.
The inclusion of “Trans People Welcome” on signage for each of the washroom configurations (Women, Men and Universal) reinforces that an individual is entitled to use the washroom that aligns with their self-determined gender identity.
It's typically an accessible, single-user washroom (e.g. a self-contained room with its own toilet, sink and privacy).
It is up to each person to determine the most appropriate option for them based on their self-determined gender identity. We do not monitor gender or decide which washroom a person should use.
No, you do not need to know. The individual is using the washroom that they have determined is most appropriate for them to use and they have the right to do so.
You may opt to use a Universal washroom.
It’s important to recognize that multi-stall washrooms remain as gender-designated spaces and that these washrooms are inclusive of transgender, non-binary and two-spirit people.