Sam Killerman's post on the subject (hilariously) hits it on the head. If you want a good laugh go ahead and read the whole post here. The more serious bit is the following:
"Gender neutral restrooms as an idea really freak people out. And I’ve heard people object to some of the signage that’s used when they are actually implemented. [...] I can empathize with why [a sign merging a "man" icon and a "woman icon" ] might be confusing. Most folks might not understand what “gender neutral” means, have never had gender explained to them, and even if you’re familiar with gender identity and diversity [as a visual person myself] the literal interpretation of this image (a half “man” half “woman”) is a disconcerting representation of “gender neutral.” "
These signs are actually gaining popularity. I took a picture of this one being used at a local restaurant:
The Marriott Library on campus has a similar sign. When I see them feel delighted. I love gender-bending and when an expectation is broken my own mind starts to wonder about the myriad of other possibilities out there. This sign, for me, encourages me to think about the broad spectrum of gender identity and expression that exist. Then I have to remember that a lot of people have only seen gender-bending in the form of Drag Queens and Talk Shows with tabloid-esque headlines like "My Girlfriend used to have a Penis!" So I can see how this could conjure up such images and confuse people as to what the sign is for, especially a legislator already primed with thoughts of child molesters and freak-show images of bearded ladies. Sam Killerman's design is a nice way to get around this:
I did not at the time have the wikihow instructions to use this device which I have learned is called a "Squat-Toilet". Looking back at the stall door I saw this:
I looked at the other doors and found a stick figure sitting on a toilet bowl and breathed a sigh of relief and then realized just how much a foreigner I was -- I didn't know how to use a local toilet. At this point I didn't care if the picture was of someone who looked like me (or me with a cape). I was so much more relieved to find a stick figure role-modeling what I so desperately needed to do.
Thankfully here at the University Counseling Center it turns out that signage is the easiest part. We don't need to go through higher-ups to get signs posted or made. Basically we just order it and stick it on the wall or door. My high school had a little sign-maker in our vocational technology class. With how many signs we have around here and how often personnel can change I imagine there's a similar machine on campus grinding away designs and letters on a weekly basis. As for what to actually put on the sign I've gotten three votes for Sam Killermann's Toilet graphic -- which can even be ordered from a professional company like My Door Sign
I even like the subtle change to "All Gender," though arguably it may not quite be inclusive of the genderless/agender. For those of you saying, "Forget words, just use a picture!" Don't forget about the blind and visually impaired. If you're looking for a restroom it should answer two questions as quickly as possible: Is it a restroom? and May I use it?
