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Original poster

Bristol Watershed toilets situation.

160 replies

TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 18/08/2026 16:44

Could do with some help. I attend the Bristol Watershed frequently, it's my favourite place to see a film and has been for many years. Until a couple of years ago the toilets were single sex, then they converted the main toilet block into mixed cubicles, open to all. BUT there's a corridor behind the bar, little used, which also had toilets and they remained separate sexes. Or so I thought.

The other day I went and used the corridor toilet while I was there, but they've got new 'trans inclusive' signs up. I used it anyway and came home and wrote them an email, to which I've just had a reply.

I sent this; Dear Watershed, Since my last visit signs have gone up outside the toilets in the back corridor that say ‘trans inclusive’. So you no longer provide women only facilities. Can you tell me why? I am a frequent user of the Watershed and very unhappy about this. As far as I understand it, it’s also against the law. I intend to look into this further. Thank you so much, yours, TemporarilyCantDoMyself

Just received this reply; Dear TemporarilyCantDoMyself,

The toilets in the Café & Bar corridor that you are referring to have always been used by Trans+ people - this was even written in our code of conduct. And whilst I expect most Trans+ people are using the inclusive loos, there are some Trans + people who (like some cis people) prefer not to use gender neutral toilets.
The only change we have made is signage - the updated EHRC code suggests we need to formally recognise these toilets as mixed sex and tell people we have done so. This is not illegal, in fact without new signs the EHRC code could have left us vulnerable to legal action.
For the small minority who don't want to use these toilets, or our gender neutral toilets, we have designated two fully enclosed toilets as single sex toilets.
^You can see all the information regarding our current toilet provision here - https://www.watershed.co.uk/info/everything-you-need-know-about-toilets-at-watershed^

Best wishes
Clare Reddington
CEO, Watershed

I'm just so upset. I'm 71 and I've been a feminist since I was 15, and I'm so bloody tired and frankly want to ignore it all and just try and live my life. The one single sex women's toilet referred to in the reply, by the way, is past the entrance to the cinemas so in order to use it I either have to be seeing a film or to ask permission to use it without seeing a film.

Fuck me I just don't want to.
Also there's so much to unpack in that reply and I just feel daunted. Trans+ for one thing - are the LGBs all just + to the Trans now, is that what that is? (I'm bisexual by the way). And the use of cis of course. And the sneering reference to the small minority who don't want to use the toilets. Etc.

Help me write something coherent in reply that isn't just ARGH I'M NEVER COMING BACK TO THE WATERSHED NOW AND I HATE YOU which is very much what I'd LIKE to say.
So as not to dripfeed, I have a trans relative and a family rift so I do feel extra sensitive and upset on the subject.
Thanks.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
10
converseandjeans · 19/08/2026 12:29

ChequerToRed · 19/08/2026 12:21

Nothing to add that hasn't already been said, but having lived in Bristol for nearly 30 years the place is now really pissing me off. Sure, bits of it have always been a bit skanky but now it’s just horrible, we have a stupid council who got in off the back of some dreadfully low turnouts and seem to favour tinkering around with ‘progressive’ window dressing rather than dealing with actual problems.
When they wanted public opinion on trans inclusion a few years ago I submitted a statement saying that it was indirect discrimination against many ethnic minority women in the city who would be excluded from spaces if males were allowed to use them, and that such woman were a far larger cohort than men in frocks. Of course, it made no difference as it was a foregone conclusion.
Rant over.

@ChequerToRed that’s what I can’t understand. Bristol is supposed to welcome asylum seekers & other cultures. Many of these women won’t want to share spaces with men (or men who are now identifying as women). So it’s not actually inclusive (in my opinion). There’s a lot of GenX and older women who also don’t feel included.

ChequerToRed · 19/08/2026 12:21

Nothing to add that hasn't already been said, but having lived in Bristol for nearly 30 years the place is now really pissing me off. Sure, bits of it have always been a bit skanky but now it’s just horrible, we have a stupid council who got in off the back of some dreadfully low turnouts and seem to favour tinkering around with ‘progressive’ window dressing rather than dealing with actual problems.
When they wanted public opinion on trans inclusion a few years ago I submitted a statement saying that it was indirect discrimination against many ethnic minority women in the city who would be excluded from spaces if males were allowed to use them, and that such woman were a far larger cohort than men in frocks. Of course, it made no difference as it was a foregone conclusion.
Rant over.

EyesOpening · 19/08/2026 12:04

singthing · 19/08/2026 10:52

May I jump on this with a question about another public/entertainment venue please? I am 99% certain the set up is not permitted, but to check before I contact them. The venue is used by all ages, kids to pensioners.

These toilets have 2 separate doors, but leading to the same bank of toilets. The door signs just say "toilet", no specifics. You can walk in one door, and out the other if you want.

Inside is one long row of cubicles with floor to ceiling doors, BUT the sinks are all outside the cubicles in a row opposite.

This was in a lower ground floor, and I didn't see a disabled toilet or lift facility in that area, but I wasn't looking closely (ditto for baby change). But it is relatively new build (2000s?), so I'd be very surprised if there was no disabled access/baby changing.

Thank you!

Sorry not to answer you directly but you can see from the information posted after your post, that no, these toilets don’t meet the requirements either.

EyesOpening · 19/08/2026 11:58

I personally would also mention the website states their toilets purport to be for everyone, and whilst it’s great they’ve added universal toilets for those who don’t want to use the toilets for their sex, they’ve neglected the people you’ve mentioned above and this oversight isn’t in keeping with their statement of treating one another with kindness and understanding.
I would also mention you plan to contact the Charity Commission and building regulators.

Keeptoiletssafe · 19/08/2026 11:56

@TemporarilyCantDoMyself Apologies, at work, so a quick reply…

All cubicles (f-t-c or not) should lead out on to a single sex environment. That is stated in ADT 1.22: ‘The layout when entering, exiting and using a toilet room or cubicle should cater for the safety, privacy and dignity of users. Cubicle doors should only open into single-sex toilet accommodation’.

It is interesting when looking at door gaps that it’s so obvious they shouldn’t be used in a mixed sex space. There are various sections that I could bring together from various documents but I wanted it straight in black and white from the HSE so I got it in writing.

This is what the HSE wrote to me in an email:
‘A single-sex cubicle can be built with a gap at the bottom or the top of cubicle partitions and on the cubicle doors as per Type C and Type D of AD T guidance.
These two types are clearly labelled as not self-contained and intended only for single-sex environments.’

Note that EHRC 13.123 states for venues wanting a toilet which has access for both sexes:
A service provider operates a shopping centre and decides to renovate the centre. It initially intends to only provide separate-sex toilets to improve the safety and comfort of users. This disadvantages trans people because it means that a trans person cannot access a toilet catered towards their acquired gender. They also note that this option may cause safety risks and distress for trans users if required to use the toilets designated for those of the same biological sex. The service provider therefore decides to also provide toilets in individual lockable rooms with hand basins, which can be used by people of either sex.

I don’t actually like the bit the EHRC added between the draft and the final version of this about ‘safety risks’ for trans users as I think it’s wrong and its addition causes an additional safety risk for everyone. However, designers of ‘gender-neutral’ toilets all want private f-to-c cubicles or rooms and don’t do risk assessments or think of why non-domestic toilets aren’t completely private in the first place.

If you are willing to hold off the reply, I can give you some more health and safety information.

INeedAPensieve · 19/08/2026 11:53

Also, good luck @TemporarilyCantDoMyself , let us know how you get on and glad the more knowledgeable posters were able to help you draft a reply. I always appreciate the research and due diligence that keeptoiletssafe does. 🌺

moto748e · 19/08/2026 11:51

"Watershed strive to make our toilets accessible for everyone"

No, you bloody well don't! Don't bullshit the public.

Unless you meant 'anyone' rather than 'everyone'. That might be nearer the mark.

EyesOpening · 19/08/2026 11:50

Also looking at this part (of the building regs)

a. Separate single-sex toilet facilities are provided. Universal toilets can be provided in addition to
single-sex provision and where space allows. All toilet accommodation should have clear and
appropriate signage.
b. Where space precludes single-sex toilet facilities from being provided, fully enclosed universal
toilets should be provided.
Available space for toilet accommodation will vary from building to building; once reasonable
provision is made for single-sex toilet facilities, any remaining space for toilet accommodation can
be considered for universal toilet provision.

it is clear that single-sex toilets should be the primary toilets.
I don’t know how many toilets there are in the new block but from your description, especially the part about the ones in the cinema part, it would appear that, even if they took down the extra signage on the old single-sex toilets (the ones you used), this is not the case?

Original poster
TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 19/08/2026 11:46

EyesOpening · 19/08/2026 11:43

No not single cubicles, mixed sex (Universal) toilets must be Toilet facilities provided in a fully
enclosed room which contains a water-closet
and washbasin and hand-drying facilities.

Gotcha, thanks. 🌹

OP posts:
INeedAPensieve · 19/08/2026 11:46

ArabellaScott · 19/08/2026 07:32

Women campaigning for single sex facilities, services and spaces are 'cranks'.

TRAs having piss protests, topless demonstrations, and petitions about buckets to shit in are stunning and brave.

And we can all clearly see who the men are and who the women are in these scenarios.

EyesOpening · 19/08/2026 11:43

No not single cubicles, mixed sex (Universal) toilets must be Toilet facilities provided in a fully
enclosed room which contains a water-closet
and washbasin and hand-drying facilities.

Original poster
TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 19/08/2026 11:33

Trying again-

Dear Clare, Thank you for your reply, which I appreciate.
You say this; The only change we have made is signage - the updated EHRC code suggests we need to formally recognise these toilets as mixed sex and tell people we have done so. This is not illegal, in fact without new signs the EHRC code could have left us vulnerable to legal action.
I beg to disagree. It would, in fact, seem that in order to be mixed sex facilities these toilets would need to be converted to single cubicles with floor-to-ceiling doors.As that’s already been done to the upstairs foyer facilities, no doubt at great expense, surely keeping the corridor facilities single sex – or reverting them to single sex – is the best solution all round?
Current building regulations for non domestic toilets in England state cubicles should lead on to single sex environments:
ADT 1.22
The layout when entering, exiting and using a toilet room or cubicle should cater for the safety, privacy and dignity of users. Cubicle doors should only open into single-sex toilet accommodation.

What about the needs of women from Muslim and other cultures where women feel more comfortable in single-sex facilities, women with stomas and other intimate medical conditions, post-partum, post-abortion, post-miscarriage and breastfeeding women, and women who have suffered from sexual abuse or rape? All of whom might well prefer a single sex toilet space and washing facilities rather than having to either use a cubicle which is very confined for personal care and has been used by men (and I have to say when you first introduced the cubicles I used them but after a couple of experiences of lack of hygiene I stopped), or having to ask to use the single toilet left to women only which, I repeat, is behind the ticket checking barrier and therefore can’t be freely used? I’m very much failing to see how this is inclusive – in fact it isn’t because I very much feel excluded!
Is it your intention to prioritise trans people over the groups of women I’ve outlined above, and any others who need single-sex facilities?
Incidentally do you know about the dangers of floor to ceiling cubicles in terms of the risk of illness and collapse not being detectable from the outside?
I look forward to hearing from you, yours,

Any comments/tweaks before I send?

OP posts:
Original poster
TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 19/08/2026 11:31

Bugger - formatting fail?

OP posts:
Original poster
TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 19/08/2026 11:31

My draft reply;

Dear Clare, Thank you for your reply, which I appreciate.

You say this; <span class="italic">The only change we have made is signage - the updated EHRC code suggests we need to formally recognise these toilets as mixed sex and tell people we have done so. This is not illegal, in fact without new signs the EHRC code could have left us vulnerable to legal action. </span>

I beg to disagree.  It would, in fact, seem that in order to be mixed sex facilities these toilets would need to be converted to single cubicles with floor-to-ceiling doors. As that’s already been done to the upstairs foyer facilities, no doubt at great expense, surely keeping the corridor facilities single sex – or reverting them to single sex – is the best solution all round?

Current building regulations for non domestic toilets in England state cubicles should lead on to single sex environments:

ADT 1.22
The layout when entering, exiting and using a toilet room or cubicle should cater for the safety, privacy and dignity of users. Cubicle doors should only open into single-sex toilet accommodation.

What about the needs of women from Muslim and other cultures where women feel more comfortable in single-sex facilities, women with stomas and other intimate medical conditions, post-partum, post-abortion, post-miscarriage and breastfeeding women, and women who have suffered from sexual abuse or rape?  All of whom might well prefer a single sex toilet space and washing facilities rather than having to either use a cubicle which is very confined for personal care and has been used by men (and I have to say when you first introduced the cubicles I used them but after a couple of experiences of lack of hygiene I stopped), or having to ask to use the single toilet left to women only which, I repeat, is behind the ticket checking barrier and therefore can’t be freely used?  I’m very much failing to see how this is inclusive – in fact it isn’t because I very much feel excluded!

Is it your intention to prioritise trans people over the groups of women I’ve outlined above, and any others who need single-sex facilities?

Incidentally do you know about the dangers of floor to ceiling cubicles in terms of the risk of illness and collapse not being detectable from the outside?

I look forward to hearing from you, yours,

Any comments/tweaks welcome before I hit send?

OP posts:
EyesOpening · 19/08/2026 11:28

Page 4 (14/36)

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6901feb971b575684c3cf7c4/ADT_2024_rev16Jun25.pdf

Requirement T1: Toilet accommodation

Intention

a. Separate single-sex toilet facilities are provided. Universal toilets can be provided in addition to single-sex provision and where space allows.

All toilet accommodation should have clear and appropriate signage

EyesOpening · 19/08/2026 11:19

1.22 The layout when entering, exiting and using a toilet room or cubicle should cater for the safety,
privacy and dignity of users. Cubicle doors should only open into single-sex toilet accommodation.

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6901feb971b575684c3cf7c4/ADT_2024_rev16Jun25.pdf

Bristol Watershed toilets situation.
Bristol Watershed toilets situation.
converseandjeans · 19/08/2026 11:15

I just looked at Clare Reddington’s LinkedIn & it’s predominantly Trans+, toilets & refugee articles - there is very little about the cinema or the creative industry. So I doubt your email will have any impact. I think a lot of the younger generation would probably like the inclusive vibe.

According to LinkedIn they have free cinema & popcorn for asylum seekers in local hotels. I can’t see the asylum seekers wanting to have communal toilets - I don’t think Trans & Muslim faith communities share many common values. It’s a nice idea however to offer something to those people, but I just don’t see it working.

AimsAndObjectives · 19/08/2026 11:07

converseandjeans · 19/08/2026 10:58

I think Bristol is generally considered as ‘woke’ so I doubt they will change this. I don’t think that trans women actually want mixed sex. They want to be able to go into a female only space. So The Watershed are being inclusive but not actually giving the trans community what they want. Men don’t especially like this set up either as they can’t just use a urinal & be straight in to loo & back out again. They have to queue up. Many women don’t want mixed sex either as the cubicle won’t be as hygienic after a man has been standing up to pee in there. So I can’t understand why they have invested so much in the new toilets.

YANBU but I can’t see it changing.

I think that Watershed are trying to give TW exactly what many of them want, which is affirmation for some and fetishistic pleasure for others. The clue is in how they are badging the toilets. They accept that they are mixed sex, but they are not labelling them as mixed sex. They are labelling them as Women's Trans+ inclusive (and Men's Trans+ inclusive).

The women in the toilets are a resource for the men.

https://www.watershed.co.uk/info/everything-you-need-know-about-toilets-at-watershed

Watershed Bristol Harbourside

Everything you need to know about Toilets at Watershed

Watershed strive to make our building accessible to everyone, in a way where they can truly be themselves. This lays out our toilet provision.

https://www.watershed.co.uk/info/everything-you-need-know-about-toilets-at-watershed

EyesOpening · 19/08/2026 11:01

Keeptoiletssafe · 18/08/2026 19:21

@TemporarilyCantDoMyself the venue needs to look at the fact their toilets do not conform to current building regulations for non domestic toilets in England which state cubicles should lead on to single sex environments:
ADT 1.22
The layout when entering, exiting and using a toilet room or cubicle should cater for the safety, privacy and dignity of users. Cubicle doors should only open into single-sex toilet accommodation.

If the cubicle doors or partitions have door gaps, they can only lead on to a single sex environment. I have that straight from the Health and Safety Executive.

There are also various judgements that have made it clear that it’s discriminatory to have the washroom in a mixed sex environment. The Kelly judgement in Scotland (which went against the legislation) is the only one that differs from this and is flawed. It should hopefully be appealed because it will win on appeal. However this is England and so you have even clearer regulations. This is because ‘facilities’ includes the washbasin and a method of drying your hands.

If the Watershed want to do a risk assessment and equality impact assessment I can help. They need to look at their customers who will be most vulnerable in a toilet statistically, those whom they do not appear to be helping at the moment.

Regulations attached:

@TemporarilyCantDoMyself I think this contains what you’re after.
“ADT 1.22
The layout when entering, exiting and using a toilet room or cubicle should cater for the safety, privacy and dignity of users. Cubicle doors should only open into single-sex toilet accommodation.
If the cubicle doors or partitions have door gaps, they can only lead on to a single sex environment.

converseandjeans · 19/08/2026 10:58

I think Bristol is generally considered as ‘woke’ so I doubt they will change this. I don’t think that trans women actually want mixed sex. They want to be able to go into a female only space. So The Watershed are being inclusive but not actually giving the trans community what they want. Men don’t especially like this set up either as they can’t just use a urinal & be straight in to loo & back out again. They have to queue up. Many women don’t want mixed sex either as the cubicle won’t be as hygienic after a man has been standing up to pee in there. So I can’t understand why they have invested so much in the new toilets.

YANBU but I can’t see it changing.

singthing · 19/08/2026 10:52

May I jump on this with a question about another public/entertainment venue please? I am 99% certain the set up is not permitted, but to check before I contact them. The venue is used by all ages, kids to pensioners.

These toilets have 2 separate doors, but leading to the same bank of toilets. The door signs just say "toilet", no specifics. You can walk in one door, and out the other if you want.

Inside is one long row of cubicles with floor to ceiling doors, BUT the sinks are all outside the cubicles in a row opposite.

This was in a lower ground floor, and I didn't see a disabled toilet or lift facility in that area, but I wasn't looking closely (ditto for baby change). But it is relatively new build (2000s?), so I'd be very surprised if there was no disabled access/baby changing.

Thank you!

Original poster
TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 19/08/2026 10:41

@EyesOpening and/or @Keeptoiletssafe is there a useful bit of legislation I can cut and paste about single sex toilets needing to be in a single sex space if the cubicles are not floor-to-ceiling doors? I can see you've posted the reverse circumstances above - if mixed basin facilities the doors must be f-t-c, but it's the other point I want to make that the ones with the new signage CAN'T be allowed to be mixed because the doors are not f-t-c.

You may well have posted it but I can't seem to find it.
Huge thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 19/08/2026 10:01

axolotlfloof · 19/08/2026 09:55

The Watershed is truly dreadful.
Their stairs are painted with the hideous Progress Pride Flag.
It is my nearest cinema but I no longer go there.
It's a trans activist organisation and no longer safe for women.

But they show all the good films and I've been going there since I first moved to Bristol in 1985 so I'm not giving it up without a fight! It is in many ways a fantastic arts resource and film venue and the food, while changeable, is often good. I'm just not going to give up on it.
Although fair play to anyone who does.

Anyway I'm back and digesting as much as I can and working on a reply now. Thanks to all the articulate and helpful posters here.
The TRAs and trolls I'm just not bothering with so they're pissing in the wind as far as I'm concerned. 😂

OP posts:
axolotlfloof · 19/08/2026 09:58

FairCat · 19/08/2026 00:24

Excellent, another thread breaks out on X to make the world think MN is nothing but a refuge for cranks who have nothing in their lives but a toilet obsession.

I don't know or care about Watershed but it seems they've taken the safest way to negotiate the comically absurd EHRC 'guidance'. Take a moment to enjoy the EHRC explaining law to the select committee.

about:blank Dr Stephenson and the Select Committee

Interesting comment at 10:12, 'there is no criminal offence of using the wrong space'. She's correct, there isn't, no matter how much agitators and right-wing rags lie about it.

Some gems from this absurdist comedy.
Service providers are legally responsible
Service providers are not expected to enforce the law
Service providers can set whatever rules they like for their service
There is no legally reliable test to establish the sex of a service user
There is no criminal offence of using the wrong space

And similar observations that leave service providers saying 'wtf do we do to remain lawful and not subject staff to the stress of being toilet police.'

To call it a dogs breakfast is to be rude about dogs breakfasts. Expect many more services to follow the Watershed example.

Women in Bristol know and care about a cinema that has chosen to make its toilets knowingly less safe for women.

axolotlfloof · 19/08/2026 09:55

The Watershed is truly dreadful.
Their stairs are painted with the hideous Progress Pride Flag.
It is my nearest cinema but I no longer go there.
It's a trans activist organisation and no longer safe for women.