Most existing bathroom configurations are built and signed as male, female and accessible. However this does not reflect the diverse experience of gender in our communities who attend our venues or events. It is important that we provide all people, including those who are trans and gender diverse, the right to use a bathroom safely and without discrimination. Venue and event operators should consider bathroom and retreat space strategies which are best for all their patrons, staff and musicians. While there is not one blanket strategy for every instance, consider providing permanent spaces beyond the strict male/female gender binary.

At a minimum provide an all-gender bathroom, always. Make sanitary bins and tampon dispensers (if applicable) available across all toilet facilities.

It is important to apply principles of equitable access to all people in your venue. For example, providing an all-gender bathroom at a much further distance than that of male/female facilities, or located in an unsafe part of your premises, can be inconvenient or considered discriminatory against trans or gender diverse users. Replacing male and female signage with ‘toilet’ or ‘urinal’ is often used as the most effective way to retrofit existing facilities. This extends to representations as symbols and in Braille.

Where space is available, ensure performers have separate and operational bathrooms and change amenity. Additionally, quiet rest areas provide places for retreat from noise and crowded activity — not only for gender nonconforming people but all patrons with different needs.