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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Co-op removes trans inclusive toilet policy

83 replies

IwantToRetire · 16/08/2026 22:18

The Co-op’s previous internal policy stated: “If the toilets where you work are gender-specific, you should use the ones you feel safest in. We’ll never expect you, or ask you, to use the disabled toilets instead, but of course if you feel most comfortable using them, then that’s fine.”

These sentences have been removed from the policy, which now states: “We know that for people who identify as trans, or non-binary, or intersex, it’s [sic] may be difficult to feel comfortable and/or safe using gendered toilets. For the comfort and privacy of all colleagues, wherever possible we will provide gender-neutral individual lockable units, with inclusive signage.”

It is not clear yet what this will mean in practice.

https://www.thetimes.com/article/6772d1ec-d619-4e4f-b952-395e268f63bb and archive at https://archive.ph/9JMRb

Verifying Device

https://www.thetimes.com/article/6772d1ec-d619-4e4f-b952-395e268f63bb

OP posts:
Imdunfer · 17/08/2026 09:23

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The problem is that when I dress like a man and am in an assertive mood, which is quite common for me, then if the toilets are "gendered" I should be using the men's loos.

The correct term is sexed, not gendered.

MrPrettyDamnCosmic · 17/08/2026 09:22

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My problem is that they are not explicitly telling their trans staff to stay the fuck out of the wrong sex toilets & changing rooms.

ColorMeSurprised · 17/08/2026 09:19

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MrPrettyDamnCosmic · 17/08/2026 09:16

The response is still weaselly as it refers to "gendered toilets" not single sex toilets appropriate to your birth sex.

ColorMeSurprised · 17/08/2026 09:13

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MitheredNotDead · 17/08/2026 08:36

Imdunfer · 17/08/2026 08:12

Coop retail only operate almost exclusively small shops which ime have one toilet. I can't imagine the shop staff have more than one either, assuming that they have a separate one from the customers at all. Presumably this is their staff policy, for office units with at least 3 toilets. I think it's fine as a statement, it's clear that the women's and men's are for men and women.

Perhaps it's also pertinent that the Coop movement was one of the earliest "ethical" brands, well entrenched early on with wokery, and are a mutual, owned by their members. As a business they do actually need to be pretty careful with their wording of this change. They could have written something which indicated that the policy was just to obey a law they don't agree with, implicitly encouraging staff to carry on as before.

Given their history and circumstances, I think they've done a fair job there.

There’s also funeral care, places like Angel Square in Manchester and other branches of the Co-op that have bigger toilet facilities.

When I worked for them I remember looking at the intranet policy that gave generous paid leave for ‘transition appointments’.

I however, being a cunty woman, was in tears of pain having to be in work after gynae surgery as I had to adhere to normal sick leave policies 😡

Imdunfer · 17/08/2026 08:12

Coop retail only operate almost exclusively small shops which ime have one toilet. I can't imagine the shop staff have more than one either, assuming that they have a separate one from the customers at all. Presumably this is their staff policy, for office units with at least 3 toilets. I think it's fine as a statement, it's clear that the women's and men's are for men and women.

Perhaps it's also pertinent that the Coop movement was one of the earliest "ethical" brands, well entrenched early on with wokery, and are a mutual, owned by their members. As a business they do actually need to be pretty careful with their wording of this change. They could have written something which indicated that the policy was just to obey a law they don't agree with, implicitly encouraging staff to carry on as before.

Given their history and circumstances, I think they've done a fair job there.

RogueFemale · 16/08/2026 23:17

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