The business also has signs showing toilets have disabled access A new online store is selling signs to make it clear bathrooms are gender neutral and accessible for everyone, with a chunk of profits going to charity. GenderNeutral.co.nz is an Auckland business which was founded by Stace and Duncan, who say they saw a need in our community to have an easy way to make bathrooms accessible for everyone - "because everyone needs to pee". They say the need for gender neutral, accessible bathrooms is highlighted by recent Youth ’12 findings that 1.2 per cent of high school students in New Zealand identify as transgender, and a further 2.5 per cent are not sure of their gender identity. Currently RainbowYOUTH has the only bathroom in Auckland listed on Refuge Restrooms with a positive rating, indicating it’s safe for gender diverse communities. Through their first line of products, bathrooms signs, GenderNeutral.co.nz says it hopes to promote safe bathrooms for people of all gender identities, and encourage businesses, charities, and individuals alike to make a stand and say that their bathroom is safe for everyone. “I’m really excited to be able to talk about this project that has been in the works for a number of months,” co-founder Duncan says. “It mixes some of my key passions of technology, raising awareness and supporting the community.” Stace adds “This awesome initiative is a mix of my love for being creative and a passion for promoting acceptance of gender diversity.“ The company says it has a strong emphasis on support and charity, and 34 per cent of all profits will be donated to RainbowYOUTH. Check out the website here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 2nd September 2014 - 9:55am