Mayor Mark Farrell, the Board of Supervisors, the Office of Transgender Initiatives and community advocates today announced the passage of a City ordinance that requires all-gender, single-stall bathrooms be made available in Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels.

Many transgender and nonconforming individuals live in SRO hotels in San Francisco. Providing all-gender bathrooms creates a comfortable and safe environment in these facilities. According to a national study, 59 percent of transgender respondents said they avoided gender-specific bathrooms, for fear of harassment.

“Our transgender residents have sadly faced a long history of harassment and discrimination—their homes should be places of refuge,” said Mayor Farrell. “San Francisco has a proud history of championing inclusive and compassionate measures that consider the needs of all our residents. With this ordinance, we are letting the transgender and nonconforming community that we hear their concerns and we are working toward a solution.”

On February 13, the Board of Supervisors passed the all-gender restroom ordinance, which requires that single-stall bathrooms facilities be available for every resident, regardless of their gender identity. Additionally the ordinance requires that signage be posted indicating the new requirements. On February 14, Mayor Mark Farrell, who co-sponsored the bill, signed the ordinance into law.

“San Francisco’s all-gender restroom policy enacted two years ago has led to gender neutral bathrooms in all public places, like restaurants and bars,” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen. “But in the past year, low income and transgender residents of SROs came to my office saying that we needed to expand the all-gender restroom policy to include Single Room Occupancy Hotels, where many transgender community members live. I am proud to have championed this change to ensure that all San Francisco residents feel safer and more comfortable in their homes. This issue is not only a critical human rights and safety issue for the transgender community, but it also greatly impacts people with disabilities and seniors who have opposite gender care attendants, as well as parents with opposite gender children. We all deserve to feel safe and comfortable using the restroom, no matter who we are.”

Along with creating more open and hospitable environments for transgender and nonconforming residents, the ordinance would increase bathroom access to caregivers and personal attendants. It would also improve accessibility for residents with mobility impairments, as bathrooms will now be available for everyone on every floor of SRO hotels.

“This ordinance will provide equitable and dignified access rights for members of our transgender community,” said Supervisor Jeff Sheehy. “SROs serve as the homes for many nonconforming individuals—the amenities at these hotels should reflect needs of the people who reside there. We are proud to sponsor an ordinance that will have a meaningful improvement on the day-to-day lives of our residents.”

San Francisco has already begun implementing all-gender restrooms throughout City-owned and leased buildings and in businesses with public accommodations. Mayor Farrell was a co-sponsor on the 2016 ordinance that created those requirements.

"In San Francisco, we have begun implementing all-gender restrooms throughout the city for the public and private sector,” said Clair Farley, the Mayor’s Senior Advisor on Transgender Initiatives. “This expansion on the existing policy assures that all San Francisco residents have accessible and safe facilities."