The University of Sheffield Student’s Union is one of the first Student unions in the UK to install bins for menstrual products in men’s toilets.
Numerous students throughout the United Kingdom have asked for these bins to be put in place, but there has been no action.
Taylor Adams, a student at the University of Huddersfield, posted on the Student’s Union page in 2021 about the issue. They said: “This idea is on its way to being implemented”, but no confirmation has been obtained that progress has been made.
On the University of Lincoln’s student union page, Melanie S expressed her concern about transgender men struggling with menstruation.
She wrote: “Needing to dispose of or change period products in a male bathroom with no bins may have a variety of negative effects on an individual such as embarrassment, anxiety and distress.”
The Students Union of Sheffield explained in their council press release that giving access to menstrual product disposal bins in male toilets helps foster an inclusive environment in the SU by ensuring transgender male students and non-binary students with periods can feel comfortable using the male toilets when they are on their period.
The policy was voted on the 9th of November, and less than a month later, the bins were installed.
Most students using the male toilets haven’t even realised they were there.
Jamie Shipp, a student at the University of Sheffield said: “Transgender men are likely going to use the men’s toilet over non-gender toilets if this equipment is put in place. It shows that the student union is concerned about the issues which transgender people are facing.”
The Student Council officers are planning on more new policies and changes concerning this topic. Zoe Lancaster, Women student officer, is working to get free period products across campus and Tomás Rocha Lawrence, Liberation officer, is working on Inclusive toilet provisions.
