Citizens petition Provincetown to convert municipal restrooms to gender-inclusive facilities, citing safety and accessibility

At the forum, citizens Michelle Axelson and Jamie Graasso presented Article 20, a petition directing the select board to act to convert publicly accessible municipal restrooms to gender‑inclusive configurations consistent with the updated Massachusetts building code (CMR 780, 10th edition). The presenters framed the effort as a civil‑rights and public‑health measure intended to increase safety and accessibility.

Jamie Graasso, who described completed coursework in architecture and a background in local activism, said the project will focus on town‑owned public restrooms (for example, pier restrooms and select municipal facilities) and explained an approach that can increase stall count and ADA‑compliant fixtures through modest reconfiguration. "Pronouns are a human right, so please ask people for them," Graasso said, framing the initiative as one of inclusion and respect.

Michelle Axelson added that Massachusetts law prohibits discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of gender identity and expression and noted that converting municipal restrooms is a practical step towns can take. Petitioners emphasized that the article does not attach spending: a working group will develop budgets and design recommendations and the town would return to a future town meeting with funding requests if necessary. Town staff said they will create an inclusive-design guide that municipalities and businesses can use and that the town hall restrooms at the upcoming town meeting will be converted as a pilot.

Opponents raised questions about privacy and logistics; petitioners and town staff said the project will include signage, ambassador volunteers at town meeting to help patrons choose facilities, and outreach to reduce confusion. The petition will be decided at town meeting; if approved, staff indicated a staged approach with budgets and CIP entries to follow.