Youth Research & Evaluation eXchange (YouthREX)

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Trans Youth and the Right to Access Public Washrooms: A Critical Perspective on a Social Policy
(2016-08) Jonah, Jay Jaxen
This Research-to-Practice report defines, explores, and analyzes some of the challenges, fears, anxieties, and issues trans-identified youth experience, particularly with respect to safe access to public washrooms. The report places current debates about the rights of trans youth, which have become increasingly public, in context by engaging recent research and social policy. Specifically, the report presents a focused look at how the issue of safe access to public washrooms affects trans youth in Canada. It explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of Canada’s now failed Bill C-279, the so-called Bathroom Bill, and provides a critical perspective on the issues it raises for trans youth. The report examines the implications of opposition to trans youth's rights to safe public washroom use, and argues instead for the importance of upholding the basic human right of trans-identified individuals to enjoy the freedom to safely access the public washroom of their choosing. The report concludes with recommendations for youth programs and services to ensure that they are inclusive and accessible for trans youth.