I work for a government department (I won’t name them) and a document has been shared for feedback and I need some help wording my response.
The document outlines the departments approach to Gender Identity and Intersex Policy.
Under the title “Gender expression at work” the guidance says “All individuals have the right to express their identity at work and present in their gender. This could mean using single sex toilets and other facilities appropriate to the presentation of their gender”
Under the title “Facilities” the guidance says “It is assumed that the individual knows which facilities are the best match for their gender identity and expression. Individuals should not be asked to use gender neutral facilities, it is completely their choice”
We only have single sex toilets in our office. Unlike some government offices we have not switched to unisex toilets. I am not comfortable with sharing the women’s toilets with men and based on the wording of this document anyone can use any facilities. I assume this extends to the showers and changing rooms in the gym.
The document also lists some useful external resources including a link to Stonewall. I was under the impression that central government no longer worked with Stonewall. Is that not correct?
On the plus side, the document says “[insert department name] acknowledges that some employees may believe that a person’s biological sex is immutable and does not consider such a belief to be incompatible with a working environment that is free from bullying, harassment and discrimination. Employees that hold such a belief are entitled to expect that they will not be bullied, harassed or discriminated against for holding those beliefs in the same way that they must ensure their behavior in the workplace does not amount to bullying, harassment or discrimination of transgender people.”