![\"ULSU](\"http:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/ULSU-gender-neutral-toilet-570x763.jpg\")
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By Tom\u00e1s Heneghan<\/p>\n
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Last week the University of Limerick Students\u2019 Union (ULSU) introduced a new gender neutral toilet into the main Students Centre. It is the first such facility on the UL campus.<\/p>\n
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ULSU President, Colin Clarke said the new facility was important for trans and gender-variant people as they must deal with access problems to public facilities.<\/p>\n
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Mr. Clarke explained: \u201cULSU believes in equal access to public facilities and for all students to be able to safely and comfortably use a public restroom. Nobody should have to fear harassment or be uncomfortable when using these facilities.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIt\u2019s important to be progressive – hopefully this step will encourage other organisations to follow suit and develop a more inclusive society. We will certainly be lobbying the University to try and bring this initiative across the whole UL campus.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Secretary of UL\u2019s LGBTQ society (Out in UL), Se\u00e1n Lynch stressed the importance of gender neutral toilet facilities. He explained: \u201cGender neutral bathrooms are a huge part of making trans people feel more safe and more accepted everywhere. Giving trans students the option to use a bathroom, free from judgement, where they feel safe, is hugely important.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Mr. Clarke also pointed to the recent enactment of the new Gender Recognition Act, saying: \u201cIt\u2019s about breaking down barriers and ensuring that our Students Union and University are a welcoming place for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
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