MANILA, Philippines — A number of airports nationwide will soon be fitted with “gender-neutral” restrooms to cater to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual (LGBT) community.
The construction of the “gender-neutral” toilets, as well as the rehabilitation of regular restrooms for men, women and persons with disability (PWDs) in all 41 commercial airports, will start within the month, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said this would be part of CAAP’s gender awareness development program and would encourage gender awareness and sensitivity among CAAP employees.
The gender-neutral toilets will be available to use for all persons “regardless of gender identity or expression,” according to Apolonio.
The first of these restrooms will be built at the CAAP central office in Pasay City and in 11 commercial airports in Busuanga, Butuan, Calbayog, Cauayan, Dipolog, Masbate, Legaspi, Pagadian, Naga, Puerto Princesa, and Tuguegarao.
The CAAP also plans to build greeters’ areas in the airports, intended for the protection of women, including pregnant mothers, senior citizens and children during inclement weather. SFM
(With Christine Rhea Lectura, intern)