[Nevertheless] It's A Sign [Advent 2]

Sign, OSLC 

I don't understand this sign.

Mostly I don't understand why the person in the wheelchair is so small and thin. And why people in dresses and people in pants have to be differentiated on a sign for a single use restroom that is for anyone, regardless of clothing choices.

This sign is outside a bathroom at our church. The figure on the left could be the pastor, assisting minister, acolyte, crucifer, or member of the choir if the choir is singing. Or Jesus. Basically anyone wearing an alb or robe. And maybe people in skirts, dresses, or kilts - or long coats. Come to think of it, it could be for people wearing capes as well. We do get the occasional superhero at church, but usually they're shorter than depicted on that sign.

The figure in the middle could be just about anyone else...a man, a woman, a non-binary person, a Starfleet officer. 

But what about people who wear shorts? I know several people who wear shorts year round. Can they use that restroom as well?

And do larger wheelchair-bound people fit in that restroom? That really is a teeny tiny wheelchair!

The fact is, the restroom sign at my church irks me a little. The "woman" and "man" figures represent two of a spectrum of sexes (this could be a whole other blog post, but let's just say chromosomally speaking there are X, XX, XY, XXY, XXXY, and XYY among others, and how they present physically can vary), while being in a wheelchair has nothing to do with sex characteristics. Or if we're thinking they represent gender, again, there's a spectrum. 

How about a sign that states "All Gender Wheelchair Accessible Restroom"  and/or has symbols for a toilet, wheelchair, and changing table if there is one?

In a space that is inclusive, and that includes transgender and gender non-binary people ... and in a world where women don't exclusively wear dresses/skirts and men don't exclusively wear slacks ... and people in wheelchairs come in adult size ... why not extend that inclusivity to the single use restroom?

All are welcome. God loves you just the way you are. And our restrooms are for you, for your children, for superheros and Starfleet officers, and are accessible to all. 

And, by the way, that restroom has two toilets in one room. It may seem awkward, but if you have two children who need to pee and a baby who needs to be changed, a parent can handle all three at once in that one spectacular all-genders and clothing styles inclusive restroom.