Unisex toilets divide opinion

THERE has always been an air of mystery surrounding what happens in the toilets of the opposite sex.

Tracey Pritchett, with son Charlie, 2, supports the use of unisex toilets and believes they are a benefit for the community. Picture: Nicholas Falconer

THERE has always been an air of mystery surrounding what happens in the toilets of the opposite sex.

Do women take so long because they stand around gossiping and re-touching their makeup?

Do men have questionable aim when it comes to toilets?

With more unisex toilets being considered by the Sunshine Coast council at Cotton Tree and Tickle Park, Coolum, it looks like we are about to get an insider look into the differing bathroom etiquette of men and women.

Sunshine Coast Daily bloggers and letter writers have been divided on whether council should construct more unisex toilets, citing safety and hygiene concerns.

The Daily’s online poll shows 48% of respondents would have no problems using a unisex toilet, while 29% would.

Another 21% said they would assess the situation depending on how badly they needed to use the toilet.

University of the Sunshine Coast psychology lecturer Kay Pozzebon said the issue had created such a strong response because unisex toilets challenged the social norms ingrained in many people.

“It is socially disapproved of if you accidentally go into the wrong toilet.

“It is embarrassing and you acknowledge you have made a mistake, so we tie going to the toilet of the opposite gender as the wrong thing to do,” she said.

“There is a strong push against that to enter a unisex toilet, as we are not socialised to do that in public.”

Ms Pozzebon said stereotypes also played a strong role in perceptions of new ideas.

“Attitude is constructed by people’s beliefs about what happens in a male and female toilet,” she said.

“Often we go by what we assume to happen, not by what we know to happen and this unknown makes us anxious or nervous. When we don’t have information about, we fill in the blanks with negative information.”

Wurtulla mother Tracey Pritchett said existing unisex facilities at Shelly Beach, Point Cartwright and Fishermans Road – which were constructed last year – were a great asset to the community.

“In a way it would be easier for me later on with having a boy, as at what point do you decide he can go to the men’s room on his own if his father is not around to take him?

“With this style of toilets, either of us can take him and watch safely from outside so it makes it so much easier.”

Ms Pritchett said the louvres on the outside of the toilet block allowed you to see the areas outside the cubicles, eliminating the opportunity for someone to loiter.

Brisbane visitor Evan Pass said although unisex toilets were springing up across the state, he thought the very idea of them was “disgusting.”

“I feel that women would have more of an issue with it than men,” he said."

Related ...

Council looks to unisex toilets

Do's and don'ts ...

• Knock before you enter – some doors do not latch very well.
• Flush everything completely.
• Finish quickly so others do not have to wait too long.
• Clean up spills so others don’t have to.

Originally published as Unisex toilets divide opinion