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A photo of bathroom signage at UCC.

NUIG is going to introduce gender neutral bathrooms on campus

The Students’ Union said that it was seeking to ensure a “more inclusive campus” for students and staff.

NUI GALWAY IS set to introduce gender neutral bathrooms on campus from September.

In a statement released this morning, the NUIG students’ union said that it had secured an agreement from the university that it would install the bathrooms in each building on campus.

“The bathrooms will be rolled out across the campus from September onwards to ensure that each main building has a bathroom that is all gender accessible,” the statement reads.

The Students’ Union said that it was seeking to ensure a “more inclusive campus” for students and staff.

The move follows on from a similar initiatives by other universities.

The University of Limerick launched gender-neutral toilet signage last year and there is similar signage on display at University College Cork (UCC).

The NUIG Students’ Union said that gender neutral bathrooms created “private, individual spaces” that were open to “all people”.

“NUI Galway Students’ Union advocates for the rights of the diverse population of 17,500 students attending the University,” it said.

Students’ Union president Phelim Kelly said that this was a “big step on the road to a more inclusive and equal campus for all”.

Read: The University of Limerick has launched gender-neutral bathrooms

Read: Schools advised to have gender neutral toilets and uniforms to support transgender pupils

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146 Comments
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    Mute Fozz
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:45 PM

    Is this just a case of changing the logo on the handicap toilet?
    What am I missing?

    417
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    Mute cholly appleseed
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:32 PM

    I wonder is there even any transgender or gender neutral students. Bandwagoners

    278
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    Mute Teddington
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:39 PM

    Where does this all end?

    277
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    Mute the asian nightmare
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:41 PM

    Why was my comment about unflushable brown trout deleted?

    133
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    Mute Michael Reilly
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:59 PM

    Great work by our high paid academics.

    140
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    Mute Myk_Oval_Balls_nRyt
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:00 PM

    Asian its 2016, You likely offended someone whom campaigns for gender fluid indigenous brown trouts rights.

    144
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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:04 PM

    The asian, your comment is still there!

    16
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    Mute Lily
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:43 PM

    I’ve sometimes used the men’s toilet when the ladies queue is too long.

    Another toilet is great

    43
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    Mute cormac o connell
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:45 PM

    thats the same students union that voted to legalize drugs as well a couple of months ago

    66
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    Mute Emachine
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:51 PM

    There will be now.

    9
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    Mute Colm Flaherty
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:55 PM

    I know of at least one such student. For what it’s worth, in my previous airport job, I had the occasion of seeing an “M” where I was expecting an “F” in a passport. I shrugged my shoulders, treated them like anyone else, and asked whether they’d prefer to be addressed as sir or ma’am. No big deal.

    The question of pat-down searches never came up, though, and I do wonder what the procedure would have been. I know most of my colleagues would have been OK, but never got any guidance on the subject…

    42
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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:58 PM

    Thankfully our young people aren’t as bitter as the oul lads on here.

    37
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    Mute Deirdre O'Byrne
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:54 PM

    Can someone please explain to me the problem with gender neutral toilets? I have three of them in my house FFS!!!

    329
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    Mute Nyantoon Chol
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:59 PM

    Same reason for segregated schools, nonsense.

    49
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    Mute Tweed Cap
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:04 PM

    Man pubes, pebble dashing and dribbles on the toilet seat is not a woman’s idea of a neutral bathroom, let’s see how long it lasts before the ladies have had enough. Failed project for a public toilet.

    234
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    Mute Dave Smith
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:05 PM

    personally I don’t care, I would be irked if urinals were taken out of crowded venues because they are quicker to use and no queues

    92
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    Mute Deirdre O'Byrne
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:07 PM

    I can think of a better solution to those three problems. Ever hear of a thing called hygiene? It works in the gender neutral toilets in my house!

    73
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    Mute Arien
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:07 PM

    How many cubicles do you have in each toilet? Do you regularly take a dump with your brother in law in the toilet with you,for example? Or would you have an issue with a person from the bus stop being in their with you while you adjust your bra, fix your make up etc

    118
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    Mute Odhran MacMurchadha
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:14 PM

    Coz women always leave the toilet seat down.

    39
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    Mute Tweed Cap
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:19 PM

    I hear what your saying Dierdre but don’t compare family to the public when it comes to toilets. I can tell you that some men’s public toilets are not pretty. Not pretty at all.

    120
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    Mute Rochelle
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:48 PM

    The only problem is with certain dinosaurs who are completely resistant to any sort of change. Thankfully none of those people have ever been in or will set foot in a university so I wouldn’t expect any sort of resistance there.

    20
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    Mute UndieGrundy
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:00 PM

    A better solution to a problem that only ever existed in the minds of a tiny, tiny minority of the population. Now, you’ll have groups of lads forced to hang around queueing in toilets as there won’t be any urinals. So things are going to get way slower. And they better not have urinals in there as that invades mens privacy.

    70
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    Mute Lorem Ipsum
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:01 PM

    What’s the difference between “man pubes” and “woman pubes”? Do you have a system for telling them apart? If so – why?

    32
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    Mute Keano
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:04 PM

    Do strangers come in off the streets and use the toilets in your house Deirdre? Thats the difference.

    63
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    Mute Deirdre O'Byrne
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:11 PM

    Arien – the en-suite and the upstairs bathroom are right beside each other, so they are, in a spatial sense, next-door cublicles. I would have no problem using the en-suite while my brother-in-law is next door.

    As for fixing my bra or adjusting my makeup – what’s the big deal? What’s so horrible about those processes that they need a private cubicle? I mean – I regularly see men adjust their pant legs *in public*. Why shouldn’t I do the same with my bra?

    As for strangers – I regularly have people I’m only just getting to know use the facilities in my house. Indeed when there is a party on, there are many such people. And again, I’d have no problem using the en-suite while they are next door in the upstairs loo. It’s not as if I’m going to see anything I shouldn’t!

    What sort of a ridiculous prude do you think I am?!???

    23
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    Mute Daffy the Bear
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:31 PM

    Of course Rochelle, no one with the brains to attend university could possibly have an oponion that differs to yours..

    51
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    Mute Arien
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:53 PM

    Deirdre, you obviously think people with those concerns are “prudes”. In your desire to be seen as open minded would ignoring all other situations. Eg I have a female friend, 26 who has to wear a bag. It can leak, it needs to be changed etc, try to imagine her discomfort in that situation with a lad from her course in the cubicle next to her. The discomfort would be the same for a guy with the same problem as her.

    52
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    Mute Arien
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:57 PM

    * colostomy bag

    26
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    Mute Demise Grad
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    Jun 28th 2016, 7:53 PM

    Do you have an issue with someone from the bus stop being by the sinks while you adjust your bra or fix your make up Arien? If you do may I suggest you use the cubicle to adjust your bra?

    4
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    Mute Arien
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    Jun 28th 2016, 7:57 PM

    I don’t

    7
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    Mute Demise Grad
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    Jun 28th 2016, 8:04 PM

    And why can’t your friend take care of her colostomy bag in the cubicle? Nobody will be expected to pee in full view of everyone

    2
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    Mute Arien
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    Jun 28th 2016, 8:08 PM

    You need to inform yourself about colostomy bags.

    22
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    Mute Jho Harris
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    Jun 28th 2016, 8:30 PM

    Oh Rochelle you are so modern thinking. I honestly hope that when you have a chance to express your freedom that you end up in a stall next to a guy who has been out drinking and had a kebab and curry the night before; most of us male dinosaurs have at some point and it not something to look forward to, the noise as bad as it is, the grunting and moaning and believe me there is grunting and moaning but they will be the least of your worries.

    32
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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:43 PM

    Madness.

    241
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    Mute Monty Wuggy
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:54 PM

    No, what’s vile is the transphobia which pervades society and the discrimination trans people face in the bathroom. The bathroom is often the place trans people are at most risk of violence and abuse, and it’s important that society ensures everyone can use a public bathroom without intimidation or fear.

    I just want you to know that the transphobia you espouse will no longer be allowed in mainstream society without hostility or scrutiny. There are too many vulnerable LGBTQ people out there who can be adversely impacted by the kind of transphobic nonsense we usually see plague this site. It’s not acceptable.

    69
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    Mute Jason Culligan
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:01 PM

    Let it all out Monty.

    137
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    Mute AJ
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:08 PM

    Serious question, what does the Q in LBGTQ stand for? Thought i read an article with an A in it too?

    79
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    Mute Old Gabby Johnson
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:16 PM

    @AJ — it depends which day of the week it is.

    102
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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:18 PM

    @Aj

    It stands for Qu!!r. I don’t even know what half these fancy new letters they add each month are and I’m gay. I’m just as lost as you.

    98
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    Mute Odhran MacMurchadha
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:20 PM

    ‘what does the Q in LBGTQ stand for?’
    Queer.
    OK, before you all jump down my throat it does stand for Queer.
    LBTGQIA
    Queer, Intersex and Asexual.

    55
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    Mute AJ
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:24 PM

    Seriously these people really shoot themselves in the foot with this. Makes it look like they dream of things on a whim. So queer is different to being gay?

    98
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    Mute Larissa Caroline Nikolaus
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:25 PM

    @A guy, ah and here you are again, spouting your usual hatred against things you don’t understand

    15
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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:27 PM

    Monty

    1) I’m gay, so there fore apart of this “vulnerable LGBT community you speak of” we don’t beed your mothering, thanks very much we can handle ourselves.

    80
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    Mute Mx Ciarán
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:29 PM

    Gender neutral crap? Keep burning the bridge behind you. Your exact argument could be used for a woman to say being trans invalidates her, it would be stupid, just like denying marriage to you because it invalidates their heteronormative marriage. And gender is not a binary, it’s a spectrum. Just because you got everything you need from the queer community, it doesn’t mean you wash your hands of it. Also trans isn’t just male or female. Again, it’s not a binary.

    28
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    Mute Tweed Cap
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:31 PM

    It gets longer by the day. Sure why not add an X on the end for cross dressers

    LBGTQX looking more like a post code now…

    76
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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:32 PM

    2) I’m not transphobic, you misunderstand what transgenderism is. Its not becoming “no gender” it is changing your gender. Transgender people can use the toilets of the sex they identify with. It was actually a big deal a month ago remember? My best friend is transgender and nothing annoys him more than this “gender neutral or gender fluid” nonsense, it invalidates trans people, they don’t chose to feel the way they do and they don’t change back and forward between gender identity, they identify as the opposite sex and the gender dysphoria can be absolutely horrible from what I’ve been told.

    47
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    Mute Monty Wuggy
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:33 PM

    AGuyWithARant: I thought you abhor identify politics? Why is the relevance of your sexuality relevant then? As a member of the LGBTQ community I don’t claim to speak for the whole community, a community which is diverse and has varying political views.

    But I am hostile to transphobia and the dearth of sympathy for the plight of trans people. To deny that society is replete with transphobia is not only ignorant but odious to the trans people who are impinged by it in their daily lives.

    12
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    Mute John Judd
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:33 PM

    Can trans women just use the ladies ? Trans men the gents ?

    66
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    Mute David Murphey
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:35 PM

    In the US, the Q stands for “Questioning”. So, if you’re not sure.

    27
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    Mute Zaphods Other Head
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:36 PM

    I thought Q stood for Questioning. Those not sure where they fall. Am I wrong?

    20
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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:37 PM

    @david

    Sometimes its two q’s one for questioning and one for q!!er. I don’t know what the qu”r is supposed to mean though, i guess just gay? The gay organisations use that word positively now. Idk..

    14
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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:39 PM

    @monty

    Because of every one of these articles it’s always the same people “Omg the poor LGBT people who cant take care of themselves and need our help and shelter and guidance” and I’m sick of it, I’m not a child. Neither are any other gay or bi or lesbian or trans people

    34
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    Mute Zaphods Other Head
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:42 PM

    I was listening to a person on Radio One a couple of weeks ago who identified himself on the male side of the non-binary spectrum. Not a masculine man but more man than neutral. He speaks of himself in the third person plural. They are at work. They buy coffee everyday for their breakfast It was utterly weird listening to him. I thought two things. One: he is belittling transgenderism with his shite and Two: he is an attention seeker demanding to be part of a gang that he doesn’t qualify for. It was utterly weird.

    72
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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:46 PM

    @zapods.

    Nothing angers me more than this tumblr stuff of all these billions of genders and spectrums and stuff, its so demeaning to trans people. My best friend happens to be trans and it angers him so much. Its not a choice, its not some fancy fashion quirk, its a serious topic and gender dysphoria can be painful and mentally torturous for the people who are trans

    35
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    Mute Larissa Caroline Nikolaus
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:47 PM

    @Zaphod, You may be surprised, but gender is not just binary, male and female, but a spectrum, and also what harm does it do you to respect another person’s choice of pronouns?

    9
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    Mute Zaphods Other Head
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:47 PM

    Still no place for the Otherkin in the pansexual soup.

    24
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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:52 PM

    Tweed , don’t forget the I and the A .. maybe just say the whole alphabet just to be on the safe side …

    24
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    Mute Monty Wuggy
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:56 PM

    AGuy: You’ve complained to me for claiming to speak for the whole community. But now you’re doing exactly the same thing.Are you aware of the disproportionate suicide and depression rates that afflict the LGBTQ community. Surely you would recognise that prejudice towards the community is a contributor to that?

    11
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    Mute Drew TheChinaman :)
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:00 PM

    The LGBT isn’t tolerant and all embracing at all… Just likes to say it is and is deeply hypocritical. There is very little time or consideration for anyone who doesn’t fit the stereotype or clique.

    As you can see from our fascist little friend above, you WILL accept my view on this, I WILL speak for everyone, those that think differently WILL NOT be tolerated.

    42
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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:08 PM

    Me: Gay people are not children, they do not need your shelter and guardianship and protection they are not children, they can handle themselves

    Monty: so now you are claiming to speak for all gay people?

    sorry monty but from the Experience of being gay and at least half my friends being bi or gay/lesbian and just generally beings round gay people I could make out that MOST of them were not hypersensitive broken souls on the verge of a mental breakdown, and the ones that were were usually had a seperate mental disorder.

    Yes, gay people have higher rates of depression and all that, that doesn’t mean that all or even near a majority of gay people are helpless people who just cant manage without the help of all the outrage internet keyboard warriors. Somehow, just somehow I can imagine most Gay people are functional human beings.

    And of course those who are in a state of being vulnerable and broken need Real help, not just some temporary fix to the problem and they certainly don’t need to be smothered and mothered by virtue signallers, its not healthy. Those who are depressed/suicidal need professional help not some internet Keyboard warrior.

    32
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    Mute Critical_Thinker
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:45 PM

    ‘Queer’ apparently is ‘meaning fluid’ word, because when a straight person uses it it’s a slur.

    14
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    Mute AJ
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:47 PM

    Ah here lads im all confused now, whats gay and whats queer? Please answer that and im sorted

    17
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    Mute AJ
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:51 PM

    Yes but why are both the G and Q in the name? Are they different in meaning or has someone got his panties in a twist and wants to be more dramatic?

    15
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    Mute James Joseph Superior Power
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:04 PM

    Jesus AGuyWithARant For a guy that claims to be gay you shur have a lot of negative on every lgbt related article towards gay people. Tell me again who it was that appointed you to dictate how lgbt people should feel and behave?

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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:16 PM

    Oh James explain this mystical negative energy I’m spreading by saying that Trans people should use the bathrooms they identify with and Trans people identify as a girl or a guy not gender fluid because that is the literal definition. My god you find everything to whine about even when I’m literally defending trans people. You must have such a dramatic life.

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    Mute James Joseph Superior Power
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:34 PM

    @ AguyWithARant
    “Me: Gay people are not children, they do not need your shelter and guardianship and protection they are not children, they can handle themselves”

    How is that not dictating to gay people how they feel?

    ““Omg the poor LGBT people who cant take care of themselves and need our help and shelter and guidance” and I’m sick of it,

    Who appointed you to tell gay people that they don’t need help shelter and guidance?

    ” I’m not a child. Neither are any other gay or bi or lesbian or trans people”
    Just because you are not a child anymore doesnt mean that there are no gay or bi or lesbian or trans people who are children.

    A comment of yours on a article with the title As Dublin Pride kicks off, we look back at some LGBT landmark moments in Ireland at the weekend.

    “Assume people are straight? Sorry I hate to break the news but most people are straight and you are always going to presume people are straight unless you have evidence to the contrary. Its not a big deal.”
    Just because it is not a big deal to you doesn’t give you the right to dictate to every other gay person that it is a big deal. It is a big deal to a lot of straight people if they are perceived to be gay. Infact many a gay person has had the S**t kicked out of them for making such an assumption. Is that okay just because most people happen to be straight?

    5
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    Mute Daffy the Bear
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:35 PM

    Don’t think it’s transphobia at all Monty, just the comments of people fed up with the tail wagging the dog..

    24
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    Mute Daffy the Bear
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:37 PM

    Larissa again… [sigh]

    18
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    Mute James Joseph Superior Power
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:42 PM

    If the Letter S for straight or the letter H for heterosexual is included in the acronym. Would that satisfy the whingers on here. For god sake get over yourselves.

    2
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    Mute Daffy the Bear
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:43 PM

    Gender is most definitely binary; by definition gender can be male or female. Gender is only a spectrum in the imagination of attention seekers who just don’t know when enough is enough..

    34
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    Mute AJ
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:54 PM

    Anyone going to explain G and Q both there? Thought not.

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    Mute James Joseph Superior Power
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:58 PM

    “Gender is only a spectrum in the imagination of attention seekers who just don’t know when enough is enough..”
    The stupidity of that comment could only come from someone who doesn’t know enough about the subject matter to even know why he/she is Prejudice

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    Mute Adam Peter Conroy
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    Jun 28th 2016, 8:24 PM

    So now you’re “transphobic” if you think that people with willies should use the men’s room. Load of rubbish.

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    Mute Daffy the Bear
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    Jun 28th 2016, 9:12 PM

    I disagree; more like the comment of someone smart enough to know this is bullshit..

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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 9:36 PM

    James maybe you cant live your life without a straight left leaning keyboard warrior coming to defend you constantly, maybe you feel vunerable and downtrodden . Thats unfortunate to hear but thats your problem you need to sort out and is in no way representative of any gay person I personally know including myself. I hope all goes well foe you and all but most gay people do not feel eternally victimised bu society. They are to busy working 9-5.

    Yes, I just said most gay people. Because i strongly believe that most gay people do not feel eternally oppressed by one of the most progressive societies to have ever existed in the history of ever. Most gay people don’t feel like helpless children in need of therapy and safe spaces. Call it a hunch, or rational thinking which ever you prefer

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    Mute Richard Griffin
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    Jun 29th 2016, 12:12 AM

    I thought we weren’t allowed say queer anymore???

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    Mute James Joseph Superior Power
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    Jun 29th 2016, 2:07 AM

    @ AGuyWithARant
    “James maybe you cant live your life without a straight left leaning keyboard warrior coming to defend you constantly, maybe you feel vunerable and downtrodden . Thats unfortunate to hear ”

    Where did you hear that? Or are you making assumptions about me as you so often do about the rest of the lgbt community based on your own experience.

    “most gay people do not feel eternally victimised bu society. They are to busy working 9-5.”

    It would appear that your beliefs don’t match up with the reality as presented by surveys and studies done on the subject.

    http://www.independent.ie/sport/revealed-ireland-the-second-worst-offender-when-it-comes-to-homophobia-in-sport-31210431.html

    http://www.newstalk.com/LGBT-survey-GLEN-gay-bisexual-transgender-Ireland-LGBTIreland-Report-Dr-Carol-Anne-OBrien

    Your problem is that you assume because life as a gay man you are fortunate enough not to experience homophobia that it is the same for most LGBT people in this country. I personally believe Ireland is an extremely gay friendly country per se but that is not to say that they are not elements of homophobia still in this country as the above studies clearly show. It is not my place or your place to dictate to anybody how their experience of homophobia should or should not affect them. To some it is like water off a duck’s back, myself included. Just because I don’t allow it to affect me personally doesn’t mean that others are not affected by it . And if you think I am a keyboard warrior for speaking up and defending those in the LGBT community so be it. Where I see an injustice I will speak of it. I will not back down and go along with the populist view “you have your marriage equality what more do you want” Until such a time as as homophobia and transphobia are a thing of the past.

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    Mute James Joseph Superior Power
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    Jun 29th 2016, 2:09 AM
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    Mute Jho Harris
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    Jun 29th 2016, 8:20 AM

    I’m not transphobic, in fact I didn’t even know the word except existed until now does make me some sort of other phobic too? We are beginning to pander a little too much now to sexual differences and all the while people with disabilities are still where they were 50 years ago as far as equal rights are concerned.

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    Mute Red hurley
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:49 PM

    Im glad I’m not the only one that thinks this is crazy.pick a jacks and go ffs.

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    Mute Leighanna Rose Walsh
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    Jun 29th 2016, 12:14 AM

    A lot of people get self conscience in gendered bathrooms for a number of reasons. What’s wrong with this? it’s literally hurting nobody.

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    Mute thejynxeffect
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:44 PM

    Oh hurray!! A victory for social justice! Pfft

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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:48 PM

    On a kinda related topic, Any publicly funded university that funds safe spaces should be threatened that they will have any government funding cut unless the pathetic practise is banned. So far I only Know Trinity has adopted this American practise.

    I don’t want my tax money funding the sensibilities of the poor college student’s feelings and precious, untouchable opinions.

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    Mute Aquarius
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:03 PM

    Why are you so unsympathetic to the struggles of others? Do you think people choose to be transgender and live that difficult life? There is a reason that transgender suicide rates are so high.

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    Mute Jason Culligan
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:13 PM

    I think he’s referring to ‘Safe Spaces’ as a whole rather than specifically for transgender people Aquarius. In that respect I think he’s spot on and the practice should be stopped.

    We should of course be sensitive to the opinions and struggles of others. At the same time safe zones create a situation where people become insular in their thought process and become unable to tolerate conflicting ideas or world views. This only adds to the problem as already sensitive individuals become accustom to being unchallenged and are thus unable to deal with the realities of our world where freedom of expression and freedom of speech are inalienable rights.

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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:21 PM

    i was not talking about trans people there I’m talking about College “safe spaces”

    Look them up they are all over US Universities, its scary the stuff that comes out of them. I know Trinity adopted a safe space policy recently.

    They basically shield you from opposing opinions and give ethnic and religious minorities and women segregated spaces and an ideological bubble. I’m not talking about trans people in that post.

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    Mute Ironballs
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:43 PM

    Cool. Looking forward to my next sh!+ there.

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    Mute Alan Kelly's Ego
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:06 PM

    Alot of toilet seats gonna get left in the up position

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    Mute Jumperoo
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    Jun 28th 2016, 8:13 PM

    Always wondered why women are so appalled at the thought of having to touch a toilet seat to put it back down again. They say that seats are dirty. Well, they spend more time sitting on them than we men do, so if the seats are dirty, it must be mostly their fault. Filthy animals.

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    Mute Myk_Oval_Balls_nRyt
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:17 PM

    This is hilarious, someone not only took their finite amount of time to campaign for this but they also managed to get someone to not only listen but act upon it…. Its going to the toilet FFS. With all the shxt thats going on around the world, someone put their efforts toward gender neutral toilets.

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    Mute Demise Grad
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    Jun 28th 2016, 7:57 PM

    Myk if you were transgender you might feel it was a worthwhile use of time considering the danger they encounter when using the bathroom. We should count ourselves lucky we don’t encounter the same trouble they do.

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    Mute Dave Smith
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:52 PM

    so how much is that all going to cost ? or are they just rebadging the disabled toilets? its very speciesist , what about people that identify as wolves and dragons?

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    Mute Demise Grad
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    Jun 28th 2016, 7:51 PM

    Dave a person would never have the brain of a dragon or a Wolf. Some people are however born with the wrong genitalia. Your ridiculous comment shows your ignorance on the subject. Thankfully sex changes are possible in society today, otherwise trans people would be forced to live their whole lives in the wrong body. Unfortunately society has a long way to go before trans people are understood and accepted by the majority.

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    Mute Mark Ryan
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:48 PM

    So no more urinals and long queues for the jacks… This is getting ridiculous! it’s Nothing to do with inclusiveness, it’s to see who can be more PC and smug than the rest!

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    Mute Will Phillips
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:00 PM

    Oh for God sake.

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    Mute Odhran MacMurchadha
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:04 PM

    Could we stop this Inclusiveness thing right now please.
    I’m starting to feel claustrophobic.
    I want some Space.
    Thanks.

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    Mute Richard Doherty
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:47 PM

    An equality toilet

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    Mute Lily Martin
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:34 PM

    If they are simply changing the signs on toilets for the disabled then they need to provide more of them. There are few enough of them as it is. If all toilets are to be made transgender wouldn’t that impact on women’s safety? The whole thing is mad

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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:43 PM

    Of they are converting the disabled toilet only one person can really use it at a time.

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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:11 PM

    So gender neutral toilets are no threat to any bodies safety on that situation, I just don’t see the need. Trans people wanted to be allowed to use the bathroom of the sex they identify with, so they should just do that.

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    Mute James Joseph Superior Power
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:52 PM

    @ AGuyWithARant. On this point I agree with you one hundred percent on the ideal. But the fact remains that conservative social attitudes makes it extremely dangerous for transgender people to use the toilet of the sex they identify with. Therefore it is not as simple as “they should just do that.”

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    Mute Demise Grad
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    Jun 28th 2016, 8:09 PM

    Why would it impact on women’s safety Lily? Are you suggesting trans people are dangerous? In fact it is trans people themselves who are more at risk of coming to harm if forced to use a bathroom that does not match their gender identity. There have been plenty of assaults in public restrooms in the past regardless of the rules regarding bathrooms for trans people. Although I can see some narrow minded people trying to blame the introduction of these rules for assaults that may happen in future. If someone is going to assault a woman in a bathroom they will, without giving much thought to these rules.

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    Mute mac.kerel
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:55 PM

    The absurds of genderism slowly come to light… Enjoy this little Python-esque video: https://youtu.be/SAHvLAJ-5aQ

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    Mute John Reese
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:13 PM

    This is mad as many have pointed out. Right up there with the agenda pushing gender neutral toys and the theory that nobody comes last in sport anymore (school’s have said everybody must win).

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    Mute Larissa Caroline Nikolaus
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    Jun 29th 2016, 11:19 AM

    Since when did toys have a gender? Or are you saying boys shouldn’t be allowed to play with dolls, or girls shouldn’t be allowed to play football?

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    Mute Eóghain Pádraig MacEochagáin
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:58 PM

    The lunatics have taken over the asylum.

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    Mute TheLoneHurler
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:01 PM

    Wouldn’t a port-a-loo do? Save costs and the likes?

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    Mute Chris Cantwell
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:43 PM

    Like the idea, think it’s better than transgender bathrooms. Imo

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    Mute Brendan Hughes
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:52 PM

    How much for the new type sign. As againest one that simply says ‘TOILET’. Which would eliminate all and any debate instead of trying to draw attention to it. ‘Ooo look at us, how pc are we?.

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    Mute Ruairi Fahy
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:16 PM

    What a load of krap.

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    Mute Stiofain Murray
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:08 PM

    This is good news as it means that truckers in gunas won’t have to take a slash in the men’s room.

    I hope this change doesn’t mean they get access to the women’s facilities sinply because they think they are women?

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    Mute Aoife Mac Cana
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:17 PM

    I’d rather see it’s efforts spent on removing the gender bias that’s rampant across it’s academic and administrative boards.

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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:29 PM

    Absolutely Aoife, gender quotas are a whole ‘nother level of discrimination.

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    Mute Lukey
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    Jun 28th 2016, 3:57 PM

    surely there’s more to gender identity than which bathroom you use?

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    Mute Aquarius
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:04 PM

    Of course, but for transgenders public bathrooms are a big issue.

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    Mute AGuyWithARant
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:25 PM

    Why cant transgender people use the bathroom of the gender they identify as @aqua? It was actually a big deal last month. Transgender people actually Identify as another gender, not “no gender”. Suggesting trans people are just “no gender” is very misinformed and ignorant.

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    Mute Tom Burke
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:26 PM

    It’s all so very very weird.

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    Mute Sean @114
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    Jun 28th 2016, 6:55 PM

    The disabled, if I’m allowed say that in this now PC gone mad world, toilet is not used frequently enough in my opinion. I propose a rotating icon on that door, wheelchair to L to G to B etc etc with perhaps 5 min intervals, between gender spectrum rotation icon thingy. Almost like traffic lights with icons in each of the colours of the gay pride flag thing. I think there’s a market for this. This should cover all bases, until the next letter is added of course, but we’ll cross that gender bridge when we come to it. What would Crocodile Dundee do these days to check if an individual is a Sheila?

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    Mute Demise Grad
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    Jun 28th 2016, 8:01 PM

    The world would be very boring if we were all the same Tom. In saying that I wouldn’t wish the life of a transgender person on anybody, because of the hardship they endure, as if it’s not difficult enough to come to terms with they also have to deal with how society views and treats them. Cringing to think of any transgender people reading the majority of comments on here.

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    Mute Tom Burke
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    Jun 28th 2016, 9:35 PM

    Demise
    The world is a more interesting place with difference but I must disappoint you in saying I don’t find the world a more interesting place because of transgender.

    I probably going to be totally politically incorrect and say transgender people need psychotherapy and not another lavatory.

    We are now accepting and understanding of every single orientation.

    When I was a kid there was just gay.
    Now there is this whole spectrum.
    What’s the latest?
    LGBTQAI

    Intersexual? FFS what is that?

    Questioning? FFS what is that?

    Demise

    It is weird.

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    Mute James Joseph Superior Power
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    Jun 29th 2016, 2:20 AM

    A little bit of education wouldn’t go astray there Tom. Sexual orientation and gender identity are two completely different things.

    “I probably going to be totally politically incorrect and say transgender people need psychotherapy ”

    Not politically incorrect but rather factually incorrect.

    “Intersex” is a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male. For example, a person might be born appearing to be female on the outside, but having mostly male-typical anatomy on the inside. Or a person may be born with genitals that seem to be in-between the usual male and female types—for example, a girl may be born with a noticeably large clitoris, or lacking a vaginal opening, or a boy may be born with a notably small penis, or with a scrotum that is divided so that it has formed more like labia. Or a person may be born with mosaic genetics, so that some of her cells have XX chromosomes and some of them have XY.

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    Mute Tom Burke
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    Jun 29th 2016, 5:27 AM

    Sorry James but there is an extra letter added every week.
    LBGTQWTFDGFJDH

    I still say it’s weird.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2016, 8:15 AM

    Do you work in the area of psychiatry or even psychology,Tom -or are you just full of sh!t ?

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    Mute Larissa Caroline Nikolaus
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    Jun 29th 2016, 11:21 AM

    @Francis, Tom buries his head in his book of fairy tales, and comes only out of it to shout abuse at any story even remotely related to homosexual or transgender issues

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    Mute James Joseph Superior Power
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    Jun 29th 2016, 6:11 PM

    Care to say why you think it’s weird Tom? A logical explanation would Suffice as opposed to the usual prejudices bull sh*s we hear from you.

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    Mute UM
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:45 PM

    LGTBQ… Whatever. Why can’t we all use the same bathrooms just like we do at home. The French/Spanish etc have always done that in bars and restaurants ever before we heard of transgender and the like.
    Get over it and use whoever loo you want

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    Mute John Power
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    Jun 28th 2016, 8:38 PM

    I guess the ladies will be looking forward to using toilets covered in p*ss from the lads with bad aims…

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    Mute Rochelle
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:54 PM

    I’ve seen nightclubs with gender neutral bathrooms and shockingly there was no drama or lads peering over the cubicles.
    Most college students live in mixed houses and are quite familiar with the effect that has on their bathroom, it’s really not a big deal and if it creates a more inclusive environment for LGBT then why not?

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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:48 PM

    Odhran that was actually quite funny !

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    Mute Michael
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    Jun 29th 2016, 12:36 AM

    Why do libtards think that any of this will make a difference? People look for any reason to claim their oppressed by claiming bathrooms are sexist then it shows the true nature of the gay rights movement in the 21st century

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    Mute Right Human
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:32 PM

    Well I guess this is a good step towards improving mental health in Ireland. Accommodate to their demands…

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    Mute Thomas Murphy
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    Jun 28th 2016, 5:54 PM

    I left my comment in the Manchester story!

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    Mute Craig Barry
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    Jun 28th 2016, 11:14 PM

    Bloody millenials

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    Mute Kate Aherne
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    Jun 28th 2016, 10:11 PM

    Just as well they got the STI clinic sorted first so

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    Mute Mary McDonagh Faherty
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    Jun 28th 2016, 11:47 PM

    Excuse my lack of knowledge on this one but is the gender neutral toilet in addition to the ladies and men toilets? Or is that the only choice now? So I must share toilets now with men, transgender and women?

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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Jun 28th 2016, 4:20 PM

    You do know that you like to say ” you do know ” quite often ..

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    Mute david dickson
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    Jun 28th 2016, 7:01 PM

    So do you, you do know.

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    Mute Evert Bopp
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    Jun 30th 2016, 5:18 PM

    It’s the least bad option really.
    I’m glad they didn’t opt for the lunatic and quite frankly dangerous idea of “free for all toilets”.
    If you have to provide a facility for trans people than this is the best way to do it as it does not infringe on the privacy, rights and safety of those of us who don’t suffer from gender dysphoria.

    Personally I think that there is need to facilitate less than 0.3% of the population with their own toilet. But that’s a different discussion.

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    Mute Connell Murdock
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    Jun 29th 2016, 5:27 AM

    Use the toilet on your birth cert. Why do we need all this . Going to far with all this

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    Mute Jim Woodcock
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    Jun 29th 2016, 12:21 AM

    Bring back the old style sh!tters…the chairs with a hole in them..and go at the cinema, restaurant, wherever, no need for jacks at all

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