Unanimous vote for gender neutral washroom signage in Central Okanagan School District

KELOWNA – Washrooms in Central Okanagan schools will soon be getting gender neutral signage.

The School District 23 board voted to update signage on single use washrooms from "male" or "female" to the gender neutral word "washroom" at a board meeting on on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016.

"This sends a really strong message of encouragement to our youth within the community," Okanagan Pride Society president Dustyn Baulkham says in a media release. 

"Schools can be a tough place for LGBTQ+ youth and the simple act of choosing a washroom can be filled with anxiety for people who are not comfortable using facilities with the all too common male or female signage," he says. "This will hopefully help alleviate their concerns."

Baulkham says the decision by School District 23 to implement gender neutral signage on single use washrooms follows some school districts in Toronto, Ottawa and several Canadian universities.

"It's also a great message for all youth and parents in the district. It says that our schools are open, safe, and inclusive spaces where people can express their true self and be who they really are."

School District 23 has not yet said when the washroom signage will be changed. 

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