Primary School Installs Unisex Toilets To Stop 'Transphobia'

Primary School Installs Unisex Toilets To Stop 'Transphobia'
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A primary school has introduced unisex toilets to stop transgender pupils being discriminated against.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Christine Terrey said the decision to include single sex toilets at Harbour Primary School in Newhaven, East Sussex, had been taken because: "We want all the children in our school to feel safe and be happy.

"We also want our families to feel informed about how to effectively support transgender and gender questioning by their children, preventing any transphobia at the school."

She has invited parents to a meeting on 'transphobia', which will include a discussion about the toilets.

Mrs Terrey added: "The toilets are all in cubicles and they all lock. We just want all our children to be able to use the toilets."

However, the move has shocked some parents of the school's 500 pupils.

One concerned mother said her seven-year-old does not feel 'comfortable' using the toilets.

She said: "I know of several parents who have raised complaints and they have now invited us to a meeting about transgender equality.

"There are seven-year-old girls using the same toilets as 11-year-old boys.

"Although we are all up for equality we feel this is not allowing our children to choose."

East Sussex County Council said it chose to install unisex toilets because they are better for 'hygiene, maintenance and pupil behaviour'.

Parents Marcus Clark, 36, and Greta Clark, 33, said their two children do not mind sharing.

Mrs Clark, from Newhaven, East Sussex, said: "If it doesn't bother the kids, it doesn't bother us."

Mr Clark added: "I think it's more than reasonable for kids to share."