Remember when a transgender woman named Gretchen Diez was barred from using a mall’s restroom in Quezon City? The incident, along with other news on the LGBT community fueled a discussion on the SOGIE Bill which covers LGBTQIA discrimination.
Answering the call for gender inclusivity, SM Supermalls released a statement on October 10 announcing that the popular mall chain will begin installing all-gender restrooms starting in November 2019.
According to the release, SM will begin the installation of all-gender restrooms at its premier malls including SM Mall of Asia, SM City North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Aura Premier, The Podium, and at SM Seaside City Cebu. The new restrooms will be an added facility in addition to the male, female, and PWD restrooms in the malls.
SM Supermalls COO Steven Tan said, “With inclusivity and innovation at the core of everything we do, we endeavor to create spaces where all shoppers are welcome.”
The mall also said that it promises to provide a “safe community space that advocates inclusivity, equality, and respect for all regardless of gender expression, identity, or sexual orientation.”
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