Executive Order Executive Order #2

ESTABLISHING UNIVERSAL STANDARDS FOR BATHROOM SIGNAGE AND DESIGN

Purpose

By the authority vested in me as the operator of this personal domain, I hereby establish universal standards for bathroom signage and design to eliminate confusion, promote accessibility, and foster inclusive environments across all public and private facilities.

Section 1: Single-Cabin Non-Gendered Bathrooms as Primary Standard

(a) All new construction and major renovations shall prioritize single-cabin, fully enclosed bathroom facilities that are accessible to all individuals regardless of gender identity.

(b) Single-cabin bathrooms shall be clearly marked with universal signage indicating:

  1. The presence of toilet facilities
  2. Accessibility features (if applicable)
  3. Any additional amenities (changing tables, etc.)

(c) Single-cabin facilities eliminate the need for gender-based segregation and provide maximum privacy, dignity, and safety for all users.

Section 2: Universal Gender-Neutral Signage When Individual Cabins Are Not Possible

When architectural, spatial, or budgetary constraints make single-cabin facilities impractical, multi-stall facilities shall employ the following standards:

(a) Primary Signage: Universal symbols indicating bathroom facilities without gender-specific imagery, using internationally recognized symbols such as:

  • Toilet icon (WC symbol)
  • Accessibility symbols where applicable
  • Text labels in multiple languages as needed

(b) Supplementary Gender Indicators: When gender-segregated facilities must be maintained, standardized global symbols shall be used:

  1. Universal Symbol Set: Adoption of ISO 7001-compliant pictograms
  2. Color Independence: Signage shall not rely on color coding (pink/blue) which varies culturally and creates barriers for colorblind individuals
  3. Textual Clarity: Clear text labels in the local primary language(s)

(c) Transitional Period Signage: During implementation, dual signage may be used stating both the universal standard and legacy gender-specific symbols.

Section 3: Rationale

The following issues necessitate this reform:

  1. Cultural Variance: Gender signage varies wildly across cultures—from stick figures to doors to abstract symbols—causing confusion for travelers and creating barriers to access.

  2. Inclusivity: Binary gender signage excludes non-binary, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals, creating unnecessary anxiety and safety concerns.

  3. Privacy and Safety: Single-cabin facilities provide superior privacy for all users including parents with children, people with disabilities, and those who simply prefer enhanced privacy.

  4. Efficiency: Universal signage reduces cognitive load when traveling internationally and speeds up facility identification.

  5. Accessibility: Standardized symbols benefit people with cognitive disabilities, language barriers, and literacy challenges.

Section 4: Implementation Guidelines

All bathroom facilities under my influence shall:

(a) Single-Cabin Standards:

  • Full floor-to-ceiling enclosure with secure locking mechanisms
  • Clear “Occupied/Vacant” indicators
  • Minimum accessibility standards (grab bars, appropriate dimensions)
  • Universal symbol indicating toilet facility
  • Signage at eye level with tactile elements for visually impaired users

(b) Multi-Stall Facility Standards (when single cabins are not feasible):

  • Standardized pictogram placement at consistent heights (1400mm center point)
  • Tactile/braille signage for accessibility
  • High-contrast visual design
  • Clear wayfinding from distance
  • All-gender facilities clearly marked as such

(c) Transitional Facilities:

  • Conversion of existing single-occupancy gendered bathrooms to all-gender facilities as immediate priority
  • Gradual phase-out of confusing or culturally-specific gender symbols
  • Addition of all-gender multi-stall options where architecturally possible

Section 5: Design Excellence

Beyond signage, bathroom facilities shall strive for:

  1. Universal Design: Facilities usable by all people without adaptation
  2. Privacy: Proper stall partitions, sound dampening, and adequate spacing
  3. Hygiene: Touchless fixtures, proper ventilation, and easy-to-clean surfaces
  4. Amenities: Changing tables available in all facilities, not just “women’s” rooms
  5. Safety: Well-lit, easily monitored entrances with emergency call systems

Section 6: Global Harmonization

This order calls upon:

(a) International standards bodies to develop unified bathroom signage standards comparable to airport/transportation pictograms

(b) Architects and designers to prioritize single-cabin facilities in new construction

(c) Business operators to evaluate current facilities for simple conversions (e.g., relabeling single-occupancy bathrooms)

Section 7: Exceptions

Temporary exemptions may be granted for:

  • Historic buildings where modifications would damage protected architectural elements
  • Facilities with pending major renovations (not to exceed 24 months)
  • Religious institutions with doctrine-specific requirements (must still provide accessible alternatives)
  • Existing facilities where structural constraints genuinely prevent compliance (subject to documentation)

Section 8: Education and Awareness

To facilitate adoption:

  • Public information campaigns explaining the benefits of universal bathroom access
  • Designer and architect training on implementing single-cabin facilities efficiently
  • Cultural sensitivity materials for regions transitioning from traditional systems
  • User education on proper etiquette and shared responsibility for facility maintenance

Section 9: Effective Date

This order shall take effect:

  • Immediately for new construction projects
  • Within 6 months for simple conversions (re-labeling single-occupancy facilities)
  • Within 2 years for major renovation projects
  • Within 5 years as aspirational goal for full compliance of existing facilities

SIGNED THIS 24TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025