Gender Inclusivity

For more information about changing gender and/or sex options, please connect with Service Laurier.

Changing your name can be both a costly and labour-intensive process; if you are a student seeking support navigating internal or external name change processes, please reach out to The Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at diversity@wlu.ca.

For staff and faculty seeking information, support or training, please email equity@wlu.ca or visit the staff and faculty resources on connect.

Did you know that the Student Wellness Centre offers Trans Inclusive health care options? Book an appointment with them to find out more.

In 2017, LSPIRG launched our Gender Pronoun Campaign in both Waterloo and Brantford. This campaign includes a run down of what gender pronouns are, how to use them, and how you can be in solidarity with trans/non-binary folks. This campaign was created between LSPIRG and the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. With particular support from the Rainbow Centre on the Waterloo campus.

Learn more about the campaign and gender pronouns.

A Thriving Community where all members of the University can reach their potential is a key component of Laurier’s 2019-2024 strategic plan. Part of this strategy is to develop and maintain an inclusive environment where everyone can experience the powerful sense of belonging. Laurier strives to be a place in which all individuals can express their authentic selves and recognizes that respect and support for trans and gender diverse people are central to their success and wellbeing.

As referenced in the OHRC policy on preventing discrimination based on gender identity, everyone has the right to use the washroom in accordance with their lived gender identity and/or gender expression. Accessing a washroom on campus can present a barrier for some trans and gender diverse people due to gender monitoring (challenging people about the washroom they are accessing) and fear of harm and harassment. Choosing not to use a washroom or feeling anxious when doing so can have negative consequences on one’s mental and physical health.

As you may have noticed, many of the gender symbols (women/men) that marked the single-user washrooms were removed throughout 2015-2017, driven by a group of graduate students on the Brantford campus and the Centre for Women and Trans People in Waterloo, which was a critical first step to increasing the inclusiveness of Laurier. However, this is not a complete solution. There are still many buildings that do not offer gender neutral washrooms and no one, including trans and gender diverse people, should be expected to only use single-user washrooms. 

The next step to increasing the inclusiveness of spaces at Laurier is to provide signage at gender specific, multi-user washrooms indicating that Laurier respects and supports everyone’s right to choose a washroom based on how they identify and present. This signage will also remind people to refrain from commenting on who is accessing which washroom. The project will take approximately 8 weeks for printing and installation with the goal of completion by the beginning of June 2021, in conjunction with the start of Pride. With the support of CPAM, the project will be communicated out to the Laurier community with supplemental resources regarding gender inclusion.

Laurier believes that everyone has the right to use the washroom in accordance with their lived gender identity and/or gender expression without the fear of harm or harassment. If you, or someone else, has experienced harm, there are options for support and reporting available on campus.

If you are a student, you can access support from:

• Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management: The Sexual Violence Response Staff provides counselling supports, advocacy, safety and wellness planning, academic supports, referrals, and options for reporting both on campus and with the police. Reach out to svinfo@wlu.ca.
• Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CSEDI): The CSEDI staff offers intersectional and equity-based supports, systems navigation, and referrals. Reach out to diversity@wlu.ca.
• Deans of Students Offices: The Student Care Coordinators offer support, referrals, systems navigation, and academic support. Reach out to deanofstudentswl@wlu.ca and deanofstudentsbr@wlu.ca.

Find Immediate Help

If you or someone else feel like you are in immediate danger, access Special Constable Services using the following methods:

• the SAFEHawk app
• By phone 519.885.3333 (Waterloo) and 519.770.3778 (Brantford)

Everyone is safer when there are fewer expectations of what kind of person can use what space, especially based on appearances. If you see someone questioning another person’s gender identity or right to access a bathroom, you can intervene in support of the person experiencing harm.

Accessing a washroom on campus can present a barrier for some trans and gender diverse people due to gender monitoring (challenging people about the washroom they are accessing) and fear of harm and harassment.

You can make a choice to actively and visibly support trans and non-binary people to safely accessing the bathroom that fits their identity and comfort.

Check out the Five D's of Bystander Intervention to learn how you can support someone who's being harmed.

• Bathrooms, Bullies and Bystanders: Surpporting Transgender Survivors (video)
• Peeing in Peace: A Resource Guide fo Transgender Activists and Allies
• Hollaback – Bystander Resources
• Safe 2 Pee – Gender Neutral Bathroom Resources
• Draw the Line – Transphobia in the Bathroom
• Gendered and Sexual Violence Prevention and Support

Q: What is the inclusive washroom initiative?

A: Everyone has the right to use the washroom in accordance with their lived gender identity and/or gender expression. Accessing a washroom on campus can present a barrier for some trans and gender diverse people due to gender monitoring and fear of harm and harassment. Laurier worked to address this barrier throughout 2016 and 2017 by implementing an initiative that replaced the gender specific signs at single-user restrooms with signs free of gender symbols. This was a critical first step to increasing the inclusiveness of Laurier, however, it is not a complete solution. 

The Inclusive Washroom Initiative serves as the next step to increasing the inclusiveness of spaces at Laurier by providing signage at multi-user washrooms indicating that Laurier respects and supports everyone's right to choose a washroom based on how they identify and present. This signage will also remind people to refrain from commenting on who is accessing which washroom.​

Q: Who is involved in the project?

A: The project involves a collaboration between Human Resources, the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the University Employment Equity Advisory Committee’s Women and 2SLGBTQ+ Working Group and the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management. The project was made possible through the generous support of the Students’ Union, with funds from the Student Life Levy.

Q: Who was consulted on the project?

A: The Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and their connected student groups, the University Employment Equity Advisory Committee’s Women and 2SLGBTQ+ Working Group and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Community of Practice were consulted on this project. Advance notification will be provided to faculty and staff unions, with an opportunity for questions and feedback on the proposed communication plan.

Q: Why are inclusivity issues relevant to washroom usage?

A: Ensuring everyone can access the washroom without fear or being mistreated is essential.

Q: Why might trans and gender diverse people feel unsafe using gender specific washrooms?

A: Everyone has the right to use the washroom in accordance with their lived gender identity and/or gender expression. Accessing a washroom on campus can present a barrier for some trans and gender diverse people due to gender monitoring and fear of harm and harassment. OutLook, a study exploring the wellbeing of 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Waterloo Region found that 57% of the 112 trans participants avoided public washrooms (Davis et al., 2019).

Choosing not to use a washroom or feeling anxious when doing so can have negative consequences on one’s mental and physical health. While gender neutral, single-stall washrooms are available in some campus buildings, these are not in all buildings. More importantly, trans, and gender diverse people have the right access the washrooms of their choice based on how they identify and choose to present themselves.

Q: What does the legislation in Ontario and Canada say about gender identity and expression?

A: Both the Canadian Human Rights Act and Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) include gender identity and expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination. Canadians are protected in their right to the gender identity of their choice and freedom of gender expression. The Ontario Human Rights Code explicitly states that “everyone has the right to define their own gender identity. Transgender and non-binary people should be recognized and treated as the gender they live in” (Ontario Human Rights Code).

Q are single-user washrooms not a complete solution to washroom issues for trans and gender diverse people?

A: Single-user washrooms are very important for some people to feel comfortable and safe. They are definitely part of the solution. However, no one, including trans and gender diverse people, should be required or encouraged to only use single-user washrooms. For some people, being told to use a gender neutral washroom undermines their gender identity. All people (trans and cisgender [their sex assigned at birth and gender identity correspond with one another]) should have the right to use the washroom based on their identity.

Q: What if I am uncomfortable using a multi-user, gender specific washroom?

A: Laurier is taking a universal design approach to washroom inclusion. In addition to the multi-user, gender specific washrooms, you will find a number of single-user washrooms at Laurier campuses and location. Please see a list of locations below:

Waterloo Campus

• Alumni Hall: AH115
• Arts:1C13, 1C13A, 2C06, 2CO6A
• Athletic Complex: 2 locations on first floor, 1 location on second floor
• DAWB: AW2-102, AW2-103, AW3-104, AW3-102, AW4-102, AW4-104, AW5-102, AW5-104
• Dining Hall: DH1-23, DH1-24
• John Aird Building: A414, A527, A516
• Lazardis: LH1003, LH2004, LH3026, LH4036
• Library: L120, L212, L309A, L404, L509, L609, L709
• Martin Luther University College: First floor, 3 locations near ML102, 1 location near ML109, Second floor, 2 locations near ML203; Basement, 1 location near the office of the Dean
• Peters: P113
• Science Research: SR103, SR105, SR101, SR205, SR203, SR201, SR305, SR303, SR301, SR405, SR403, SR401
• Theater Auditorium: TA103
• 202 Regina Street: R272, R273

Brantford Campus

• Carnegie Building (CB): Lower level, across from CB117
• Dalhousie Centre (DC): Main floor outside LEAF offices
• Grand River Hall (GRH): Second floor, outside of Residence Life
• Market Darling Centre (MDC): MDC105, MDC lower level kitchen area
• Market Place (MP): First floor, across from the Writing Centre
• Research and Academic Centre – East (RCE): Main floor, outside FHSS; second floor, in Faculty of Liberal Arts faculty office hallway
• Research and Academic Centre – West (RCW): Third floor, outside RCW304
• SC Johnson Building (SCJ): SCJ first floor, across from SCJ103; SCJ219, beside SCJ210 meeting room; SCJ404
• St. Andrews (STA): Through main entrance and to the left
• Student Centre (SC): Third floor, inside the Wellness Centre

Kitchener Location

• First floor, beside auditorium

Q: What do I do if I feel someone is in the wrong gender specific space?

A: Nothing. It is not up to you to assess a person's gender. People are the best at knowing for themselves which washroom they should be using.

Q: If I have been discriminated against in a gender specific facility because of my gender identity or expression, how can I report the incident?

• If you are a student, you are encouraged to contact CSEDI at diversity@wlu.ca and/or the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management at humanrights@wlu.ca. 
• If you are a faculty or staff member, you are encouraged to contact Human Resources (equity@wlu.ca) and/or the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management (humanrights@wlu.ca).

Creating a Positive and Affirming Environment

At Laurier, we are working to create and uphold positive and affirming environments for trans and gender non-conforming people. There are many factors that contribute to such an environment. Below are some factors to consider when working to foster inclusive environments.

Factors affecting the inclusiveness of environments include: 

• using chosen name and pronouns
• upholding privacy and confidentiality of personal information
• ensuring all requested personal information is necessary and appropriate
• using inclusive language and images, including on websites and signage
• providing access to washrooms and change rooms
• providing dress code options

Pronouns

Asking and correctly using someone’s pronouns is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their gender identity.

What are some examples of pronouns?

• he/him/his
• she/her(s)
• them/they/their(s)
• ze/hir(s)

It is important to note that some people do not use pronouns and prefer to be addressed by name only.

The gender-neutral "they" is a personal pronoun that is commonly used by non-binary or gender non-conforming people. It does not associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed. Some examples of how to use it include:

"I spoke to the office manager and they said they'd get back to me."

"I think someone left their laptop behind."

"Who's in charge of the social media campaign? I'll call them."

What if I make a mistake?

It’s okay! Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. If you misgender someone by using the wrong pronoun, the best thing to do is say something right away, like “Sorry, I meant (insert pronoun)” and move on.

How do I ask someone what pronouns they use?

Try asking: “What pronouns do you use?” or “Can you remind me what pronouns you use?”

Terminology

Language is a powerful tool for increasing an inclusive environment. The words people use to describe themselves and others are very important and the right terms can affirm identities. The following is a list of helpful terms to use when discussing gender identity and expression:

• Sex: Refers to a person’s biological category an individual is assigned at birth and is typically categorized as male or female (American Psychological Association, 2015).
• Gender: Refers to the socially constructed characteristics of women and men – such as norms, roles and relationships of and between groups of women and men. It varies from society to society and can be changed (World Health Organization, 2021).
• It is important to understand that sex and gender denote different things and that these terms should not be used interchangeably.
• Gender identity: Each person’s internal and individual experience of gender. It is their sense of being a woman, a man, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. A person’s gender identity may be the same as or different from their assigned sex. Gender identity is fundamentally different from a person’s sexual orientation (adapted from the (Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2014).
• Gender diversity: refers to the extent to which a person’s gender identity, role, or expression differs from the cultural norms prescribed for people of a particular sex (American Psychological Association, 2015).
• Gender expression: How a person expresses their gender. This can include behaviour and outward appearance such as dress, hair, make-up, body language and voice. A person’s chosen name and pronoun are also common ways of expressing gender (Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2014).
• Gender binary: A social system whereby people are thought to have either one of two gen­ders: “man” or “woman.” These genders are expected to correspond to birth sex: male or female. The gender binary system is rigid and restrictive for many people whose sex assigned at birth does not match up with their gender, or whose gender is fluid and not fixed (The 519).
• Non-binary: Is an umbrella term often used by individuals who feel their gender identity cannot be defined within the margins of gender binary National Centre for Transgender Equality, 2021.
• Gender non-conforming: Individuals who do not follow gender stereotypes based on the sex they were assigned at birth (Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2014).
• Genderqueer: An identity commonly used by people who do not identify or express their gender within the gender binary. Those who identify as genderqueer may identify as neither male nor female, may see themselves as outside of or in between the binary gender boxes. Not everyone who identifies as genderqueer identifies as trans or non-binary (Trans Student Educational Resource).
• Gender Minority: is a person whose gender identity (woman, man, trans, other gender identities) or self-expression (masculine, feminine, gender non-conforming, other expressions) differs from conventional expectations or their sex assigned at birth (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention).
• Trans or transgender: An umbrella term referring to people with diverse gender identities and expressions that differ from stereotypical gender norms. Whereas cisgender refers to individuals whose assigned sex at birth aligns with their gender identity. Those who identify as trans or transgender have gender identities that differ from the sex they were assigned at birth (Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2014).
• Transitioning: Refers to a host of activities that some trans people may pursue to affirm their gender identity. This can include changes to their name, sex designation, dress, the use of specific pronouns, and medically supportive treatments such as hormone therapy, sex-reassignment surgery, or other procedures. There is no checklist or average time for a transition process, and no universal goal or endpoint. Each person will decide what meets their needs (National Centre for Transgender Equality, 2021).
• Intersex: Is a term used to describe a person born with reproductive systems, chromosomes and/or hormones that are not easily characterized as male or female (Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2014).
• Two-Spirit (adj): A cultural and spiritual identity used by some Indigenous peoples to describe having both masculine and feminine spirits. It can include people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans or intersex. For some, Two-Spirit describes a societal and spiritual role that people played within traditional societies, as mediators, keepers of certain ceremonies, transcending accepted roles of men and women, and filling a role as an established middle gender. It is important to note that this is an English language umbrella term that is used to refer to multiple identities that may have been captured by Indigenous languages prior to colonization (adapted from University of Toronto and CAMH, 2021 and Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2014).
• Cis-normativity: (“cis” is Latin for “the same as”) Refers to the commonplace assumption that all people are “cisgender” (i.e. not trans). In other words, their gender identity is in line with or “matches” the sex they were assigned at birth, and everyone accepts this as “the norm” (Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2014).
• Sexual orientation: The direction of one’s sexual interest or attraction and is a personal characteristic that forms part of who you are (adapted from the (Ontario Human Rigths Commission, 2014).
• Sexual Minority: is a person whose sexual identity, orientation or practices differ from the majority of the surrounding society. This includes people who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirited, or more commonly described as a person from the 2SLGBQ+ community (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention).
• Systemic discrimination: Complex and systemic, embedded in patterns of behaviour, policies and practices that are part of the administrative structure or informal culture of an organization, institution or sector (Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2014).