BENGALURU: In good news for the transgender community,
BBMP
said its 169 e-toilets are gender neutral and can be used by sexual minorities.
Several community members had complained about the humiliation and sexual harassment they face in public washrooms reserved for men or women. A transwoman said some women in public washrooms scream on seeing them. “When I walk in, they yell at the security guard asking them why they allowed us inside,” Veena S said.
Transman Kiran Nayak said, “Since there are no proper facilities for us, I avoid consuming a lot of water during the day. The result: I’ve got kidney stones.”
Randeep D, special commissioner, solid waste management, BBMP, said: “Transgender persons are welcome to use public toilets. We will sensitise our service providers about the community and put up signages to indicate that public toilets are gender neutral. Any harassment or discrimination will be taken seriously.”
The Palike plans to open 18 more gender-neutral twin toilets in the city.
Transwoman Veena said, “All we’re asking for is a basic facility and a little acceptance.” Mallu Kumbar, a transman, agreed. “We are not requesting for a special washroom; we only need more gender-neutral ones.”
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