Met backs loo plans

Transgendered people in Croydon have hailed the success of the Which Loo? campaign after it was officially approved by Met top brass.

The guidelines pioneered by Croydon's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) police focus group, Aurora gives practical advice on how to avoid confrontation when using public toilets.

They were drawn up for men in the process of transforming themselves into women, but those behind the scheme say they can also be used by cross-dressers.

Transgendered people using public toilets face being verbally abused and even assaulted when using public toilets.

Aurora devised the campaign to help transsexuals avoid confrontation and remain safe.

After two years of working closely with Croydon police and other transgender organisations, Aurora got the backing of the Met.

Rachel Cox, who has been at the forefront of the project, said: "I've had the experience of a difficult situation when using public toilets in the past and it's very humiliating and embarrassing to hear people criticise you when you're coming out of the toilet.

"This is a major step in the right direction but we now have to push these guidelines through so that they are recognised nationwide."

Sandra Robinson, organiser of the Croydon transgender group Friends of the Firebird, has also been a victim of abuse after using public toilets and is happy the guidelines have been recognised by London's police service.

"The guidelines are practical and hopefully some of the things that they suggest will help transgendered people stay away from difficult and sometimes dangerous situations.

"I'm glad that the police are taking an interest in this problem because we have been trying to push the guidelines through for a long time."

Tor Docherty, chief executive of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community safety charity Galop, hopes that problems encountered by transgendered people get more publicity.

She said: "This is great news, when people say they are doing work for a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender casue, they usually mean they work for lesbians, gays and bisexuals. The transgender gets overlooked.

"It's really good that someone has looked at transgender specific problems. Some of the experiences that people go through are horrible. Homophobic crime is much publicised but transphobic crime is ignored and it needs to be further up the agenda."

Councillor Enley Taylor, shadow cabinet member for equality and community partnerships, said: "I am pleased that it is a local Croydon group, Aurora, which has worked with the Metropolitan Police to agree these guidelines, as it can only be positive for the name of Croydon to be associated with social tolerance."

Chief Inspector Tom Morrell of Croydon Police said: "The Which Loo?' project has been developed as a result of close co-operation between police and community members within Aurora. We will continue to work with Aurora in order to identify and take positive action to address local issues of concern."

A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: "The Diversity and Citizen Focus Directorate are pleased to support this partnership initiative between Aurora and Croydon Borough Police, which supports the Metropolitan Police Service vision of making London safer for all our communities."

Which Loo Guidelines

Before you use the loo: Think ahead if you are on a train use the unisex loo do not wait until your journey is over.
If you go into a pub consider buying a drink to avoid attracting the attention of staff.
Consider using unisex or disabled loos whenever possible.

When you are in the loo

In a gentlemans' loo avoid eye contact. Ladies' loos are more sociable where you tend to make eye contact, this may help you blend in.

If you are confronted

If you are challenged, do not get involved in a conversation or argument. Stay calm.
Whether you have a certificate of gender recognition or not, carry some documentation showing your acquired gender. For instance a driving licence, AA membership or a medical certificate from your GP.