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The Bathroom as a Mirror
- kaitlinlpettit
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
For the full version of this article, written by TE Intern Mason Bunce, check out our free Substack post.
Take a moment and think about bathrooms—not just what they are, but what they feel like. When someone says, “I have to go,” the room goes quiet. We joke, we whisper, we pretend it didn’t happen. That universal need becomes wrapped in embarrassment and silence.
But for many people, it’s not just awkward—it’s dangerous. Imagine finally living as your true self, only to step into a restroom and face shouting, threats, or exclusion. Imagine a student forced to bleed through their clothes because there are no period products. Imagine days without a clean restroom because public bathrooms are locked or far away. These are not inconveniences—they are assaults on safety and dignity.
Bathrooms should be relief, not risk. They should protect privacy, welcome everyone, and affirm humanity. Access to a clean, safe, and inclusive restroom isn’t about convenience—it’s about health, safety, and belonging.
At Toilet Equity, we’re working to rewrite the script. Our community-based public restrooms and composting toilets provide safe, dignified spaces for all. We advocate for inclusive signage, accessible facilities, and equitable bathroom access so that nobody has to choose between their health, comfort, or safety.
By changing how we treat a basic human need, we change how we treat each other. Imagine teaching children that bathrooms are essential, not shameful. Imagine a society where no one fears using a restroom that matches their identity, body, or circumstance. That’s the world we’re building.
Want to dive into the nitty gritty of bathroom embarrassment and learn how the way we treat a bathroom can be a mirror for the way we treat our fellow community members? Check out the full blog post for free on our Substack.
This article originally appeared in our October 2025 email newsletter. You can subscribe to receive future updates here.
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