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Men and women at the University of Victoria can now use the same facilities with the opening of one of Canada’s first gender-neutral public washrooms.

The two new washrooms in the student union building, converted to unisex just before the start of the school year, were introduced largely to accommodate the school’s population of transgendered students.

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“Many students on campus don’t identify as being either male or female — or they have received harassment and discrimination for not appearing to be of the gender of the washroom that they’re in,” said Emily Rogers, chairwoman of the UVic student society. “These washrooms … increase safety for folks who don’t conform to male or female stereotypes.”

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The formerly male washroom now has an extra-large barrier around the urinals, while the formerly female washroom is urinal-free. “Admittedly, it’s still a little gendered, but it’s a step in the right direction,” said Ms. Rogers.