To provide its passengers with greater flexibility and accessibility, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has opened its first multi-user, all-gender restroom, making it one of only approximately 10 hubs in the US to offer such facilities.
“This new all-gender restroom makes it clear that SEA is committed to being a welcoming space for travellers, no matter your gender identity,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner, Ryan Calkins.
Features in the all-gender restroom include stalls with full floor-to-ceiling locking doors with no gaps, two wheelchair-accessible, ADA-compliant stalls, one large, wheelchair accessible dedicated family restroom with baby changing table and toddler seat, a seperate and private urinal room behind a frosted sliding glass door, a centralised sink area, large mirrors, grooming stations and baby changing stations as well as a water fountain and water bottle refill station.
“We want all guests at SEA Airport to know they have safe and accessible restroom options when travelling through our gateway. Additionally, the ADA-friendly and family-friendly spaces in this restroom make it a great option for families or those who need to assist or care for travel companions,” added Calkins.
He also noted that stakeholders from the LGBTQIA+ community, faith leaders and Port Employee Resource Groups were all consulted during the design and implementation of the restroom. In addition, the exterior wall of the facility is a curated salon-style wall of 22 works of art by 12 LGBTQIA+ community and ally artists to create an inclusive welcome for all those using the restroom and walking alongside it.
Part of Upgrade SEA – a set of capital projects costing a total of $4.4 billion – the multi-use, all-gender restroom marks the completion of the fourth phase of restroom renovations taking place across the airport. The fifth and last phase will see updates coming to restrooms elsewhere in the airport and will include a dedicated family restroom with adult changing table, a nursing mother’s room with lactation suites and a service animal area.
