Many transgender Indians, like 32-year-old social worker Leela, grapple with the dilemma of using public toilets due to past experiences of insults and hostility. The discomfort and traumatic experiences they endure push them to opt for holding in their pee until they reach the safety of their homes. However, this repeated practice poses health risks, including abdominal pain and urinary infections.
In India, where transgender rights awareness is gradually growing, LGBTQ+ activists are taking up initiatives to improve bathroom access for trans individuals. Fred Rogers, an activist from Tamil Nadu, filed a petition in the Madras High Court to mandate at least one gender-neutral bathroom in all public spaces. Despite the Supreme Court’s 2014 ruling recognizing trans people as the “third gender” with self-identity rights, prejudice and marginalization persist. Families often reject them, leading many trans women, known as hijras in India, to resort to begging or engaging in sex work for survival.
The issue of bathroom access becomes even more complex due to the scarcity of bathroom facilities in many Indian homes, particularly in impoverished neighborhoods or slums. Shared facilities are the only option for numerous individuals. Consequently, local LGBTQ+ group Drishti in Assam launched the #NoMoreHoldingMyPee campaign to raise awareness about the challenges faced by trans and non-binary people who don’t identify strictly as male or female. They advocate for gender-neutral toilets that prioritize safety and inclusion for all, regardless of sex or gender identity.
While progress has been slow, there are promising signs of change. In Delhi, the High Court ordered the city government to construct public toilets for trans individuals within eight weeks, following a successful petition from LGBTQ+ rights groups. Responding to the order, Delhi authorities repurposed 500 toilets initially designated for people with disabilities for use by trans individuals, recognizing the need for separate facilities. Universities are also joining the movement, with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) introducing gender-inclusive restrooms on its campuses.
Vaivab Das, a non-binary research scholar at IIT Delhi, was instrumental in this positive change. More than 20 IIT campuses across India have followed suit, introducing gender-inclusive restrooms. These steps, though small, reflect a crucial shift towards inclusivity and access to public spaces for transgender individuals, who have long been marginalized and denied fundamental rights.
In conclusion, while progress is being made, the struggle for transgender individuals in accessing public toilets and achieving full rights continues. The push for gender-neutral bathrooms has gained momentum, highlighting the importance of providing safe, inclusive spaces for everyone, irrespective of their gender identity or expression.