Campus for everyone: Jadavpur University opens gender neutral washroom

Jadavpur University has established a gender-neutral toilet on its campus for LGBTQIA+ students, an official said, according to a report by PTI. This comes during the month of June, which is celebrated as the pride month all over the world. Pride month is observed to recognise the LGBTQ community.

The toilet was set up in the English Department in response to LGTBQIA+ community's long-pending demand, which was also supported by their classmates and all the students' unions, HoD Manojit Mondal told PTI. "The campus belongs to everyone. We have taken the initiative keeping in mind the requirements of everyone," Mondal said, adding it was inaugurated on May 29.

The gender-neutral toilet will be inclusive as everyone can use it, Mondal was quoted as saying by PTI. Registrar Snehamanju Basu said that more such toilets will be established in different blocks housing arts, science and engineering departments.

LGBTQIA+ activist Shivadooti Mandal, a student of Comparative Literature, called it a victory for the community and fulfilment of their long-pending demand. "We felt uncomfortable using toilets meant for men or women. The gender-neutral toilet in the English Department will help the community members in the arts faculty," Mandal said.

Calcutta University Pro Vice Chancellor Asis Chatterjee said a gender-neutral toilet will be established on the College Street campus. An official of Presidency University said a gender-neutral toilet already exists on their College Street campus but students said the toilet was not being properly maintained.

(With inputs from PTI)