Thursday, June 29, 2023 — Cleveland — Today, city leaders and community partners unveiled Cleveland City Hall’s first ever gender-inclusive restroom. The new inclusive and ADA-accessible facility is located on the south-western side of the first floor.
“City Hall is the people’s house, and we strive to create a more welcoming environment for all employees and visitors,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “My administration is proud to join institutions across the city that are contributing to a more equitable society where everyone, regardless of their gender identity, feels respected and comfortable using restroom facilities.”
Gender-inclusive restrooms are designed for the use of any gender group. They can take the form of a single-user toilet or a multi-user communal restroom, such as the newly transformed restroom on the first floor of City Hall. Providing gender-inclusive restrooms is important in creating equal restroom access to all, regardless of gender expression or identity. They provide a safe and private place for employees and visitors with diverse needs.
As a gender-inclusive restroom with ADA accessibility, this restroom benefits a range of people:
- Transgender and gender-diverse people
- People with disabilities and individuals in wheelchairs
- Families or caregivers of children, older people, or people with disabilities
The city joins institutions such as Cleveland State University, Case Western University, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium in this effort to make Cleveland more welcoming and inclusive.
City facilities undergoing major renovations and any new city facilities will include at least one gender-inclusive restroom option. By providing equal restroom access, the city fosters an environment that shows that they welcome, value, affirm, and respect the diverse identities of employees, residents and visitors.
“As the LGBTQ+ Liaison for the City of Cleveland, I am pleased that Mayor Bibb and his administration are making a commitment and financial investment to support the safety and dignity of our trans and non-binary community,” said Kevin Schmotzer. “I look forward to assisting with educating our city colleagues on the importance of this project and respect for gender identity and expression. Our goal is to ensure City Hall will be a welcoming space for all people.”
Today’s ribbon cutting follows the 54th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which is commemorated by Pride Month. Now more than ever, it is vital that governments, institutions, and organizations support the LGBTQ+ population, as the Human Rights Campaign declared the first-ever State of Emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans earlier this month. This declaration responds to the anti-LGBTQ+ laws that are sweeping the nation. More than 525 such bills were introduced in 41 states this year alone, with more than 75 being signed into law and a majority being anti-trans laws.
