All gender toilets
We commit to working together to create a University community where diversity is recognised, valued and celebrated.
A positive message
Designating all gender toilets on campus is a positive and welcoming message to trans1 and non-binary individuals and provides facilities that are inclusive. Single sex facilities are also available across campus for those who prefer them.
What are all gender toilets?
All gender toilets are facilities for all which do not have gendered signage and which do not require the person using them to define into a gender. Some all gender toilets provide additional facilities eg accessible toilets, baby changing facilities or showers.
From an equality perspective, gender-neutral facilities are more inclusive to other members of staff and students (including for example, parents with young children).
Will all toilet facilities on campus become all gender toilets?
No, single sex toilet facilities continue to be available. In every area where we provide all gender facilities, there are also single sex facilities available close by (eg on a different floor of the building).
Where are all gender toilets provided?
The University will provide both All Gender Toilets and single sex toilets in new buildings on campus.
If you would like to discuss the provision of all gender toilets in your department or building, please contact the Facilities Helpdesk at fm-helpdesk@york.ac.uk in the first instance.
2025 Supreme Court Ruling and EHRC Guidance
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Code of Practice, produced in response to the 2025 UK Supreme Court ruling, is now active, and in August 2026 Professor Kiran Trehan (Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagement) sent an email to students and staff to provide an update on what this means for us.
We have a range of toilet facilities which enables us to adhere to the Equality Act and the corresponding EHRC guidance. We do not intend to directly monitor the use of toilet facilities.
Using a single sex toilet which doesn't align someone's sex assigned at birth would not constitute a disciplinary offence. University codes of conduct, including the Dignity at Work and Study Policy, protect all staff and students from bullying and harassment, and we expect everyone using facilities to treat others with dignity and respect.
1 'Trans' is used as an umbrella term. It includes trans men and women, non-binary people and dual-role people. (Equality Challenge Unit)