Who Gets to Use the Loo?
The Debate Over Accessible Toilets, Trans Rights, and Dignity
The recent fallout from the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex has reignited a deeply personal and political question: who gets to use which public toilets? In many cases, organisations are now barring trans people from using facilities that align with their gender identity, suggesting accessible toilets as a “compromise.” But this so-called solution exposes a much bigger issue: the UK’s public toilet infrastructure is failing far too many people, disabled and trans alike.
Accessible Toilets Are Not a Catch-All Solution
Accessible toilets are designed to meet the essential needs of disabled people, providing space, safety features, privacy, and dignity. They are not gender-neutral restrooms. Forcing trans people to use these facilities isn’t an inclusive workaround; it’s segregation dressed as accommodation.
Many of these accessible toilets — especially in transport hubs like train stations — are locked, out of order, or missing critical safety features such as emergency pull cords. This not only puts disabled people at risk but also offers no real safety or dignity to trans individuals either. No one should be forced into an unsuitable space because inclusive design has been overlooked or because the proper investment hasn’t been made into essential infrastructure and public spaces. This lack of foresight not only fails disabled people but also trans and non-binary individuals, families, and anyone who relies on safe, accessible facilities.
When “Multi-Use” Becomes Misuse
It’s not just trans people who are being sidelined. Baby-changing stations are also routinely placed inside accessible toilets, but these spaces were not built for families with young children. Every pram or parent using an accessible toilet reduces availability for those who truly depend on them to navigate public life safely.
And here's something most people forget: 80% of disabilities are invisible. Chronic pain, fatigue, neurological and sensory conditions can all profoundly limit someone’s mobility, without any visible signs. So when people judge who "should" be using an accessible toilet based on appearance, they risk discriminating against those with hidden disabilities as well.
What the Law Says
The Equality Act 2010 is clear: everyone has the right to safe, dignified, and accessible toilet facilities. This means making reasonable adjustments to remove barriers for disabled people, but it also means protecting trans people from harassment and discrimination.
What Needs to Change
Instead of forcing trans people into spaces not meant for them, or reducing the already limited number of accessible toilets available to disabled users, we need proper public investment:
- More accessible toilets — properly maintained, safe, and truly accessible.
- More gender-neutral toilets — so everyone has a safe, welcoming option.
- Clear design standards that put dignity, privacy, and safety first for everyone.
The problem isn’t who’s using the loo — it’s that we simply don’t have enough good, inclusive options to meet everyone’s needs
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💡 Want to learn more about accessibility in public spaces?
Check out our latest post on the Access Card — the simple way to communicate your accessibility needs while travelling or attending events.