Small steps toward gender-inclusivity

Even though the Tufts community is often viewed as quite liberal, the measures that the University itself has taken to comply with its own non-discrimination statement are still inadequate to ensure an inclusive living and learning environment for students who fall outside the gender binary. Transforming a heteronormative campus into a gender-neutral one is a slow and strenuous process that requires enormous effort from all students and staff. Nonetheless, this revolution of gender inclusiveness, if successful at a university level, can possibly inspire the larger society off campus and nationwide to grow in acceptance.

The fact of the matter is that there is a lack of campus facilities accommodating individuals that do not identify with the gender binary. Gender-nonconforming students could feel uncomfortable and vulnerable in something as simple as heteronormative bathrooms. To them, having to choose between the mens’ or the womens’ restroom without confusing themselves and others could provoke a feeling of marginalization and could force them to make a choice that they should not have to make. It reminds them that society in general is still very inflexible and unable to welcome them.

The availability of gender-neutral bathrooms symbolizes acceptance and inclusiveness. It is a small step forward towards tackling a greater issue in society. At Tufts, gender-neutral bathrooms (one-stall bathrooms) are only located in six residential halls, including Bush, Carmichael and South. The absence of gender-neutral bathrooms at more common locations where student activities are concentrated -- such as the campus center, dining halls and most academic buildings -- causes daily inconveniences for gender-nonconforming students. Furthermore, the signage featuring a male and female icon in front of one-stall bathrooms carries the narrow-minded connotation that only two genders exist in our community. This bathroom signage should be replaced to avoid imposing the traditional gender convention that has gradually become outdated in today’s society.

There are indeed steps being taken on campus, specifically by the Chaplaincy, who should be applauded for their work and lectures on social justice. As a whole, however, there is much more that can be done.

The increased popularity of gender-neutral pronouns on many campuses deconstructs the long-held social constraints reflected in gender binaries. Fluid pronouns like “e,” “zie” and “per” are evidence of a huge leap in the development of language. These pronouns not only encourage the gender-nonconforming minority to affirm and embrace their identities but also allow the hetero-majority to be more open to the differences in values and beliefs around them. These pronouns should be more widely used and accepted at Tufts, both in and outside classrooms. By perpetuating the use of gender-neutral pronouns, it will be easier for students and faculty to avoid making assumptions about people’s genders and pressuring them to succumb to social norms. As such, students will also be more thoughtful when organizing activities that may involve gender classifications, like Valentine’s Day formals and gift swaps. Therefore, the development of language catering to the gender revolution allows our generation to prepare for and contribute to the prospect of a more gender-inclusive society without outdated stereotypes.

It is tempting to swing to the other extreme, to condemn the categories of "male" and "female." Gender neutrality, an expression of freedom and not oppression, should encompass these identities as well. The process of gender revolution on campus will be painfully sluggish, as it requires all individuals to break away from old habits of thoughts and speech. A culture of transphobia needs time to be eroded by the collective recognition of individual freedom and equality. These are all small steps, but they do indeed add up.