16B - The Michigan Daily - Weekend, etc. Magazine - Thursday, January 24, 2002 0 0 w a Unisex bathroom creates alternative for people in need By Stacy Anderson Daily Staff Writer Going to the bathroom at this University is something that most of us take for granted. We're able to find a bathroom when we need one, with- out having to worry about feeling unsafe or unwanted. But as easy as this is for us, it can be a lot more dif- ficult and complicated for others. Which is why, on the third floor of the Union, right smack in the middle of the Michigan Student Assembly and Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Affairs offices, you'll find a transgender bathroom. Some of you might be thinking, "So what, I go to the doctor's office and there's a unisex bathroom that anyone can use." The difference? Not only is this bathroom made for more than one person, it has a history and an influ- ence that gendered and single-person bathrooms don't normally carry. When the OK was given to trans- form this bathroom from all-women's to unisex, or transgender, many people never realized the positive effect that this change could have upon people at Are you thinking about law school? Do you want to collect tips from admissions deans? Plan to attend ... Students of Color Law Day - Meet with over 40 law schools from across the country - Collect application information and explore law education options - Visit CP&P's homepage for a list of schools scheduled to attend (available mid-January) - All students interested in law are encouraged to attend this university. "People who don't fit into gender norms come to the Union specifically to use this bathroom," said Kelly Garrett, coordinator of pro- grams and student development in the Office of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Affairs. "We did it delib- erately." "The fact that we don't have to think about going to the bathroom is a priv- ilege" added Sheila Nelson, special projects coordinator of the LGBTA office. "Put yourself in the position of the folks who need this bathroom, folks who might normally get harassed in a gender-specific bath- room." Although innovative, this bathroom has created a sort of ruckus with not only people visiting the third floor, but with members of the University com- munity in general. While the thought of being in the bathroom with a person of the opposite sex has made people just plain uncomfortable, there are some safety concerns that could be discussed. The idea of a lock was brought into the picture, but was dismissed by the LGBTA office because, even though intended to lock others out, it could also be used to lock someone in. "There was some resistance," men- tioned Garrett. "People of every gen- der use it at the same time and cultur- ally, it can be hard to get used to." Nevertheless, there are plenty of good feelings from people about this bathroom. "When I first saw it, I was a little unsure about it. I was a little uncomfortable using it, but those are my own insecurities, and I don't think those should stop it from being in DEBBIE MIZEL/Daily Could you spare a square? existence," said LSA sophomore Natalie Render Carrie Copeland, administrative assistant for the LGBTA office also said, "It was a huge surprise (to have the transgener bathroom) and I was really excited." Another practical benefit of this bathroom goes to the men. Before the renovation, the only bathroom on the third floor was for women, and this created some problems. "It's a real benefit to men too, because now they don't have to go up or downstairs to use the bathroom," added Garrett. But what about the future? Are there more unisex bathrooms to follow or will this end with the third floor of the Union? "The (University Health Service) has changed all their bath- rooms to uni-sex, which was a really great step" said Garrett. "It's very, very important because there aren't a lot of unisex bathrooms on campus. Our goal is to have a safe bathroom in every building on campus." Don't let its small size fool you. This bathroom is groundbreaking in the field of ge:der relations and the general acceptance of others, and won't be overlooked by the public for much longer. 3200 Student Activities Bdg (734) 764-7460 www.cpp.umich.edu The University of Michigan Career Planning Plac ent Division of Student Affairs X150 IBW I d Our Entire leetion or SRFF JONES liege Ring Styles On Sale Nowl Date: Wednesday - Friday January 23, 24 & 25 Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Place: Ulrich's Bookstore, Michigan Book & Supply MICHIGAN BOOK & SUPPLY 317 S. State St. 665-4990 vu W-