Aren't washrooms designated for use by women or men only? 
What is an all-gender washroom? 
Why is it important to have all-gender washrooms? 
Where are the locations of the all-gender washrooms at UPEI?

Aren't washrooms designated for use by women or men only?

It is common for washrooms to be gender-specific, that is deemed for exclusive use by women or men only. These washrooms though are not accessible to all members of society, as many people do not identify as either women or men. It is often thought that individuals are born either boy or girl based on their genitalia at birth; however, there is a distinction between sex and gender. Sex refers to biological and physiological characteristics. In contrast, gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities, and attributes that society assigns to men and women. Self-identification is the sole measure of a person's gender. For individuals who do not identify as either men or women or those who do not express their gender in stereotypically "masculine" or "feminine" ways, finding an accessible washroom can be extremely difficult.

What is an all-gender washroom?

An all-gender washroom is either a single-user, lockable washroom or a multiple-user washroom equipped with multiple, lockable stalls that is available for use by anyone, regardless of gender identity or expression. All-gender washrooms provide access to secure facilities for all members of the UPEI community including people with disabilities who require an attendant, and parents of children of another gender. All-gender washrooms are identifiable by visible signage.

Why is it important to have all-gender washrooms?

Having access to a secure washroom is a basic right for all people. Washrooms that are gender-specific are frequent sites of discrimination and harassment for many members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Two-Spirited, Queer, Questioning, Intersex (LGBTTQQI) community. All-gender washrooms provide a secure space for all members of the UPEI community. In addition to providing a secure space for members of the LGBTTQQI community, all-gender washrooms are accessible to care providers of children of another gender who may need to accompany their child to the washroom. Similarly, these washrooms offer people with disabilities the option to have attendants of another gender access a secure, all-gender space to provide support for the person with a disability.

Where are the locations of the all-gender washrooms at UPEI?

UPEI currently has several all-gender, single-stall washrooms on its campuses. The locations of the washrooms are: 

Single-User All-Gender Washroom Locations

2 - Atlantic Veterinary College (1084S and 1085S)
1 - Bill and Denise Andrew Hall (31)
1 - Cass Science Hall (403)
1 - Duffy Science Centre (129)
4 - Steel Building (121,122, 206, and 207)
3 - School of Sustainable Design Engineering (130, 209, and 331)
2 - Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre (216 and 218)
5 - W. A. Murphy Student Centre (216, 217, 235, 236, and 260)

Multi-User All-Gender Washroom Locations

Robertson Library - main level
SDU Main Building - main level