A RECENT advisory from the Quezon City Business Permits and Licensing Department (QC-BPLD) has encouraged all business establishments in the metropolis to designate all-gender toilet rooms and lavatories in their premises.
The notice cited a provision in City Ordinance No. SP-2357, S-2014, known as the Quezon City Gender-Fair Ordinance, which states: “All government agencies, private offices, and commercial/ industrial establishments shall designate toilet rooms and lavatories for the equal and shared use of individuals of all genders.”
QC-BPLD head Ma. Margarita T. Santos underscored the city’s stance on equal rights and its firm commitment to ensure the protection of those rights, regardless of gender identity.
“As a city, we are always actively working towards true gender equality — protecting the rights of the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, etc) community and abolishing all forms of discrimination,” she said.
She added that “mandating gender-inclusive comfort rooms in government offices and encouraging business establishments to do the same is a small but significant step towards that goal.”
Santos said Quezon City is looking to build or designate a third all-gender CR in all government and public spaces. The gender-inclusive comfort rooms can be used by individuals who do not strictly identify as cisgender males or females, and create a safer and more comfortable environment for them.
Santos also reiterated the support of other QC departments for the gender-inclusive policy of City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who is considered by many among the LGBTQIA+ community to be a champion and a staunch ally.
“I think I speak on behalf of the other local government departments and Mayor Joy when I say that the City’s support for the queer community will never waver. We will take steps big and small to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, will have equal rights and accessibility,” she added.
