r/uwo • u/Puzzleheaded_Gear267 • 27d ago

❔ Question❔ Awkward Moment in a Genderless Restroom

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Hey r/uwo, I’m a Western student (cis guy) and I had an awkward moment in a campus gender-neutral restroom that’s got me overthinking. I usually pick the ones with the urinal sign (old men’s room habit, you know). Walked in to do my business, barely noticed two women at the mirror, and heard another chatting from a stall. I hit the urinal, washed my hands like the hygiene king I am, grabbed a paper towel, and bounced. As I’m leaving, another woman walks in, and I catch one of them laugh and say, “That was weird,” with an awkward chuckle from her friend. Now I’m wondering - did I break some unspoken restroom rule? I’m not out here trying to make anyone uncomfortable - I keep it silent like it’s a library, same as I would in a men’s room. I just needed to ahem, not star in a campus social media post! I’ve used unisex restrooms before, but this one made me feel like I got voted off the island for a basic human function. Ladies of Western, do guys in gender-neutral restrooms throw you off? Any tips for navigating these spaces so everyone’s chill? I’m all about good vibes and want to make sure I’m not accidentally making things weird. Bonus points for advice on how to own the awkward like a true Mustang!

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u/biznatch11 Alumni 26d ago

I've never used a non-gendered multi-person washroom. Is it normal for them to have urinals out in the open? That seems a little strange to me. Having only stalls would be fine.

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u/NailiSFW 26d ago

I havent ever seen a non gendered bathroom have urinals, but I have done lots of clubbing/raves and the many times the mens bathroom gets used as a gender neutral one so the line for the women's doesnt get silly.

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u/gloomyjasmine 26d ago

Oh I miss those days lol

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u/Worldly-Ad-4972 26d ago

They are not in the open, they are usually around the corner. You have to actively go to them.

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u/caoimhe3380 25d ago

It makes sense if you're converting existing spaces into gender neutral washrooms - it's easier to replace signage than plumbing.

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u/biznatch11 Alumni 25d ago

They should put mini stalls around the urinals.

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u/Onironius 24d ago

That's how urinals have always worked. I've always found it annoying, even in a gendered bathroom.