The debate on the use of gender-neutral toilets in public places is the hottest topic in the Philippines right now. Following to an incident that sparks outrage online, a transgender woman was blocked from using the women's bathroom at a shopping mall.
Gretchen Diez (right): Photo Credit QCPD Public Information Office
Gretchen Diez, 28 was, barred from using the women's bathroom at a mall on August 13 by a cleaner who told her to use the men's toilet instead.
But Diez was arrested after she took a live video of a cleaner preventing her from entering the ladies' room at the Farmer's Plaza in Quezon City.
Toilets are important facilities for most public places. However, any transgender person will tell you that accessing a toilet is never an easy experience for them.
This is exactly the reason why Quezon City passed the Gender Fair ordinance which seeks to protect the rights of LGBTQIA+.
"It is disappointing that what happened to me happened inside in Quezon City which is supposed to be celebrating, accepting, and embracing people like me because we are also human beings," Diez said.
However, the proposal has since received mixed reactions from the public, particularly from parents who are concerned that such toilet could possibly become a way for person with bad intention to target young children.
Even celebrities are divided, Vice Ganda who is an LGBTQ rights advocate believes that the solution was to allot a separate area for members of the community. However co-host Anne Curtis, meanwhile, shared her different view when asked how she feels whenever she happens to share a public restroom, "Wala, okay lang. Babae 'yung tingin ko sa kanya."
What's your thoughts about gender-neutral toilets? Do you think it's a great idea or is it totally unnecessary?
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