The History and Debate Around Public Restroom Signs for Girls

The Controversy Behind Girls Restroom Signs

Gendered public restrooms have been a source of debate and controversy for many years. While separate restrooms for men and women have long been the norm, some argue this perpetuates outdated gender stereotypes. The classic restroom signs depicting a simplistic male or female figure have also faced scrutiny. But nowhere does this debate get more heated than when it comes to girls restroom signs.

A Symbol Steeped in History

The iconic skirted figure on girls restroom signs can be traced back to the late 1800s. During the Victorian era, long skirts were standard attire for proper women. Architect Alfred Giles first incorporated symbolic restroom figures in 1887, using dresses to differentiate between men and women's facilities. This concept caught on and dress-wearing female icons soon became the norm on restroom signage.

For over a century these signs went largely unquestioned. But in recent decades, societal views on gender have evolved. The traditional girls restroom symbol is increasingly being seen as outdated and reinforcing stereotypes. Critics argue associating dresses solely with females is limiting and exclusionary to those who don't identify with binary gender norms.

Pushing Back Against Tradition

In the 1990s, pressure began mounting to ditch binary restroom signs. Transgender rights activists argued signs with dresses and pants icons marginalized anyone who didn't fit neatly into these two categories. They pushed for more inclusive symbols, like multiple figures or simple word signs. But long-standing signage traditions die hard.

It wasn't until 2016 that the first US city, Austin, TX, approved an ordinance allowing businesses to use gender-neutral restroom signs. Other progressive cities like Seattle, WA and Philadelphia, PA followed suit. But adoption remains slow, with the traditional girls and boys symbols still dominating public restrooms today.

Alternatives Gain Traction

While most public restrooms still use the classic girls and boys signs, alternatives are gaining visibility. Here are some of the more common gender-inclusive restroom signs trending today:

• Silhouette figures with no dress or pants indicators
• Multiple figures representing men, women and non-binary genders
• Creative icons like a half-dress/half-pants figure
• Simple word signs reading "Restroom" or "All-Gender"

Major corporations like Starbucks have also embraced inclusive signs, using silhouette figures on restrooms open to all genders. Celebrity controversies like the North Carolina "Bathroom Bill" have also thrust this issue into the mainstream spotlight.

Ongoing Controversy and Confusion

While neutral signs help some feel more welcome, they also create backlash and confusion. When California mandated gender-neutral signs in all single-stall restrooms in 2017, some argued this was government overreach. Issues like safety and privacy also come up regarding multi-stall gender-inclusive facilities.

There's also the practical issue of costs. Swapping out restroom signs requires time and money many businesses don't have. And understanding new signage requires public education many people haven't received. This can lead to awkward mix-ups and confrontations as people adjust.

Restroom Symbols and Gender Perceptions

On a deeper level, advocates argue rethinking restroom signs can help reshape broader gender perceptions. Allowing skirt figures only in girls restrooms reinforces the notion that only females can wear dresses and skirts. Removing these symbols helps dismantle rigid gender dress codes and opens up options for everyone.

But others counter that most people don't read so deeply into restroom symbols. Eliminating gendered figures won't necessarily change engrained social biases. And some women simply feel more comfortable with signs specifically designating their spaces.

Looking Ahead to More Inclusive Options

The public restroom sign debate highlights just how complicated symbolism, privacy and equality intersect. While traditions are hard to change, visual culture evolves with society. The skirted female figure may soon be a relic of the past if more inclusive options gain prominence. But this shift won't come quickly or easily.

For now, the icon remains entrenched but alternatives are gaining visibility. Only time will tell whether novel gender-inclusive restroom signs can stand the test of time and public opinion. But the push for progress persists in hopes of a more accepting future.

In the end, restroom symbols impact real people in deeply personal ways. Making public facilities welcoming to diverse populations is about more than just signage. But inclusive icons are one small step toward advancing equality for all.

FAQs

Why are there separate restroom signs for men and women?

Gendered public restrooms date back to the late 1800s and were standard for most of the 20th century. Separate facilities were thought to uphold moral standards and reflect "proper" societal roles at the time.

What is the problem with the classic girls restroom sign?

Critics argue the iconic skirted female figure promotes outdated gender stereotypes. It can also be exclusionary to transgender and non-binary people who don't identify with this binary icon.

What are some alternatives to gendered restroom signs?

Some common inclusive restroom sign options include figures without dresses/pants, multiple figures, creative icons like half-dresses, and simple word signs like "Restroom."

Don't gender-neutral signs sacrifice privacy and safety?

Some argue unisex signs on multi-stall restrooms could compromise safety and privacy. But most advocates propose neutral icons for single-stall restrooms only.

Will traditional restroom signs for girls go away?

While neutral options are gaining traction, traditional girls and boys signs still dominate most public restrooms today. Completely phasing out this long-standing icon will take major shifts in public opinion and costs.