Boston now has gender-neutral bathrooms at City Hall

Mayor signed executive order to establish gender-neutral bathrooms

(City of Boston)

The bathrooms on the fifth floor of Boston City Hall is now open to everyone. Literally everyone.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh on Thursday signed an executive order immediately establishing the bathrooms outside his office as gender-neutral, according to the Boston Globe.

“Today marks a historic moment in Boston,” Mr Walsh said in a statement. “Boston thrives on diversity, and is an inclusive city. This change will foster a safe and welcoming environment for employees and visitors, and will go a long way as we continue to work towards improving the lives of those who love and call Boston home.”

Gender-neutral bathrooms have long been sought by members of the LGBT community, especially by transgender people, who are often uncomfortable using traditional gender-divided bathrooms.

“Gender neutral bathrooms are important in providing a safe place for all people to use the facilities when needed without fear of harassment by others,” Ruben Hopwood, coordinator of the Transgender Health Program at Fenway Health, told the Globe. “Providing gender neutral bathrooms send the clear message that all people are valued and invited to take part in the community.”

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