This is a Gender Inclusive College

Confederation College is working to improve access to facilities for gender-diverse people.

GENDER-INCLUSIVE FACILITIES AT CONFEDERATION COLLEGE

• Safe spaces where anyone, regardless of gender identity or presentation, can use the toilet, wash their hands, change, and check the mirror.
• Washrooms and change rooms on each campus include signage, indicating the space is inclusive and that Confederation College respects everyone’s right to choose the washroom that is appropriate for them.
• Available on each College campus.
• Inclusive signage will also be posted outside binary facilities to decrease fear and anxiety for trans and non-binary people allowing them to feel comfortable in the facility of their choice.

WHY GENDER-INCLUSIVE FACILITIES?

• Safe spaces for trans, non-binary and people whose gender expression may not appear to match their gender identity.
• They decrease anxiety and fear for trans and gender diverse people while using the facilities as there is less chance of confrontation or assault.
• Can also be helpful to others, such as parents/caregivers with small children of a different gender identity, people who have a caregiver or personal attendant with a different gender identity than them and people who need privacy for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to, those who experience anxiety, are breast-feeding and people who need a place to administer medications.

HOW TO BE A SUPPORTIVE ALLY

• Don’t stare
• Don’t assume or try to ‘figure out’ someone’s gender
• Let people be their authentic selves
• Respect pronouns. If in doubt, ask what pronouns they would like you to use.
• Respect people’s names. Their name might be different than the one they were given at birth or the one on their ID.
• Don’t question peoples’ gender presentation
• If you make a mistake, don’t make it a big deal. Just say sorry and move on.
• Don’t ask anyone about their sex life, unless it’s relevant to the conversation
• Try not to use ‘ladies and gentlemen’ or ‘she or he’, try ‘friends’, ‘folks’, ‘everyone’, etc.
• Try not to make generalized gendered statements (e.g. ‘hey guys’ or ‘those girls’)
• Don’t make statements about peoples’ bodies that reinforce cisgender biological existentialism (e.g. instead of saying ‘when a woman is pregnant’ try saying ‘when a person is pregnant’)
• Challenge transphobia whenever you see or hear it!

SUPPORT AT CONFEDERATION COLLEGE

Please note that often when a complaint is made about someone being in the “wrong” bathroom, it’s often the person being reported who needs protection.

• If you encounter concerning behaviour on campus or vandalism of signage, please contact:
  • Security 922 (623-0465 from a cellphone)
  • Emergency pull strings
  • Pride Centre (807)-475-6110 ex 2145 or [email protected]
  • Students: Student Services (807) 475-6618 or toll free 1 833 330 1550
  • Employees: Human Resources Dept. [email protected]
  • Or in the region connect with your Campus Manager
  • In an emergency, please call 911.

For more information, visit www.confederationcollege.ca/genderinclusive