posted on 2018-02-12, 15:11authored byConnie Benjamin, Andres Hueso
Discussions on gender and WASH typically ignore non-normative gender identities. To address this, we
reviewed the existing literature on the interrelation of LGBTI and sanitation. The evidence is scanty, and
mostly focused on developed countries, although there is a growing body of evidence looking at South
and South-East Asia. Most of the publications focus on the challenges transgender people face when
accessing public toilets or other communal facilities, which include verbal abuse, physical and sexual
assault, denial of access, arrest and expulsion. Almost nothing was found on LGBI people (not including
transgender). Solutions range from ‘gender-neutral’ public toilets, to ‘third gender’ ones, as well as
ensuring transgender people can access toilets matching their gender identity. But there is no clear
consensus. Overwhelmingly, the review reinforced how little is known about the challenges LGBTI face
in relation to sanitation, a gap academics and practitioners alike could help address.
History
School
Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Research Unit
Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC)
Published in
WEDC Conference
Citation
BENJAMIN, C. and HUESO, A., 2017. LGBTI and sanitation: what we know and what the gaps are. IN: Shaw, R.J. (ed). Local action with international cooperation to improve and sustain water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services: Proceedings of the 40th WEDC International Conference, Loughborough, UK, 24-28 July 2017, Paper 2649, 6pp.
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