Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Restrooms Sogi Training topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission schedules DPW meeting on unisex restrooms; SOGI training still under review
Summary
The Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ Commission reported April 15 that it has scheduled a meeting with Councilor Barb Warwick's office and the Department of Public Works to explore legislation requiring unisex restrooms in new construction and major renovations.
The Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ Commission reported April 15 that it has scheduled a meeting with Councilor Barb Warwick's office and the Department of Public Works to explore legislation requiring unisex restrooms in all new construction and major renovations that include restrooms.
At the meeting, commission staff said they expect to follow up next month with either draft legislation or a clearer assessment of affected projects after speaking with DPW about upcoming work. The commission also said converting existing single-stall restrooms to unisex restrooms is contingent on an intern who is expected to begin in May, a staffing delay the commission flagged as causing a short-term hold on that recommendation.
Staff also updated commissioners on SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) training. Commission staff reported an LGBTQIA+ inclusion training run by Vibrant Pittsburgh is scheduled for the mayor's office this fall; the commission said it has not yet received the training syllabus and will seek details from Human Resources before recommending a broader rollout.
Why it matters: Requiring unisex restrooms in new builds and large renovations is a structural accessibility change that affects how city buildings are planned and permits are approved. Training tied to SOGI inclusion affects city staff interactions with LGBTQIA+ residents and may influence service delivery.
Commission staff said a meeting with Barb Warwick and DPW is set for Monday of next week (referred to in the meeting as the 20th). "I have scheduled a meeting with Barb Warwick's office and DPW for the 20 first, so, Monday of next week," Adriana said; the commission said it expects a fuller report at the May meeting. The commission also noted that converting existing single-stall restrooms to unisex restrooms is awaiting an intern expected to start in May.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to report back in May with the results of the DPW meeting and with recommended next steps for drafting any ordinance or proposed administrative changes.
