Gender segregation definition
Gender segregation means when areas, events, programs or activities are divided into males only and females only. Dividing people by gender can exclude trans people. An important way of showing your service is trans inclusive is have spaces (including bathrooms) that are gender-neutral, that is, for use by everyone regardless of gender. For example, if you have a ‘women’s activity group’ consider renaming it by activity (e.g. ‘craft group’) and making it welcome to people of all genders. If you think there is need for a gender-specific area or event, consider asking the advice of a trans-inclusive organisation (or Val’s Café) and make it explicit that trans people are welcome (e.g. ‘men’s group, trans men welcome’). This lets trans people know that such a group respects trans people as members. Trans people have a history of being excluded from gender-segregated areas and events all together, and making trans people feel welcome to participate is an important part of providing an inclusive service. Trans people are legally entitled to use gender-segregated services according to their affirmed gender (e.g. trans women must be able to use a women’s bathroom). Not all trans people identify as men or women (some identify as gender diverse and other terms that are not male or female), and gender segregation is often difficult for these people, and can serve as a hurtful reminder that ‘they don’t fit in.’ Trans inclusive services do not arrange facilities, programs, areas, events or activities by gender.