Rainbow restrooms at Thai school

[Gaybutton]

Rainbow restrooms at Thai school as it breaks more barriers

by THE NATION

May 31, 2024

Nakhon Ratchasima school takes equality another step forward by building vibrant coloured restrooms for LGBTQ+ students

As Pride Month approaches, students at Boonwattana School in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Hua Thale sub-district are waiting with bated breath for new changes.

The secondary school started a new trend earlier this month, before the start of the new term. It announced that LGBTQ+ students could wear their hair according to the gender they identify with. For instance, male students who identify as LGBTQ+ can wear their hair long and tied with a bow, while their female counterparts can sport short haircuts. This inclusive policy has significantly boosted the confidence of LGBTQ+ students.

Boonwattana School now also has separate restrooms based on gender identity. Alongside the male and female toilets, the school has made available equally modern, clean restrooms in vibrant colours for the third gender.

Chayanon, a 15-year-old student, said he was delighted that he no longer needs to use the general men’s room because they make him self-conscious. Restrooms for women were also unsuitable because they lacked urinals, he said. Therefore, having a restroom dedicated to LGBTQ+ students made him feel far more at ease.

“I’m a male who identifies as female. Using the general female or male restrooms makes me feel uncomfortable. Therefore, having a ‘rainbow’ restroom is a great initiative, as it allows everyone to use it based on their gender identity without feeling different,” another LGBTQ+ student said.

Story and photos: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40038466

[Jun]

I never understand all the fuss about this.

When using the toilet, one only ever has to undress the lower half of the body. So use the appropriate toilet for the lower half.

If you happen to have had a pair of breasts added, what's the difference between using a men's toilet or a rainbow one?

[Gaybutton]

In my opinion the point is Thailand is doing more for LGPTQ rights and is far more tolerant and welcoming than any other country I can think of. As far as I can tell, no other country comes close. Thailand sees and accepts the "third gender" and I think that's great. I only wish the rest of the world would stop persecuting people just because they are different from the way they are.

[Jun]

Accepting a third gender is fine with me.

However:
Can someone explain why third gender restrooms are necessary?
Having answered that, why do Thai gay bars not consider them necessary?
Would spending taxpayer's money on more third gender restrooms improve or worse acceptance of third gender?

In many countries, the priority ought to be provision of more facilities for all, and providing enough facilities to reduce queues at the ladies, which are excessive in some cases.

What we wouldn't want to do is allow a certain board member to decide who qualifies to use the gents toilet. There might be some big cocks heading for the ladies.

[Gaybutton]

Can someone explain why third gender restrooms are necessary?

Without them, which restroom do you suggest they use?

[Jun]

Without them, which restroom do you suggest they use?

Same as currently.
Male if they have a penis and female if they have a vagina. Only the lower body parts need to be exposed in toilets, so the addition of silicon breasts is irrelevant.

If even the gay bars don't see the need for third gender toilets, I suspect I'm not alone in reaching this conclusion.

[Gaybutton]

Only the lower body parts need to be exposed in toilets, so the addition of silicon breasts is irrelevant.

By that logic, why have gender specific restrooms at all? Instead of a line of urinals, just have privacy stalls for everyone. That way it wouldn't matter what gender is in the restroom using the facilities.

If even the gay bars don't see the need for third gender toilets

I also don't see it as a need, but I am certainly not opposed to anywhere that decides to comply with their wishes. They have made it clear that is what they want. I see no reason to be against voluntarily giving them what they want. I think we're going to see many more third gender toilets over the next several years, at least in Thailand - even if it is not a need.

It also seems to be in keeping with Thailand's support of LGPTQ rights.

[Dodger]

Can someone explain why third gender restrooms are necessary?

I think you would get a much more useful (enlightening) answer to this question if you were to ask someone of the third gender.

The first time I remember ever even thinking about this was back when Hollywood Disco was open near Sunee. I would go there frequently with femboy and ladyboy friends who would almost always prefer using the women's hung nam versus the mens for the mere fact that they felt more comfortable there. The problem with this of course is that not all females are comfortable having someone of the third gender using the same hung nam especially when foreigners are in the mix. Most Thai women could care less.

Making Thailand appear as "gay friendly" as possible is an incentive that several of the ministries have recently adopted. Frankly, I think this is more about "perception" than it is any huge drive by the "Third Gender" to have their own bathrooms.