Gender identity and the difference between the "Unisex" and "All Genders" signs

Restroom door signs or all gender restroom signs may seem like minor details, but they speak volumes about business values, identifying public facilities. This is particularly true when it comes to "Unisex" and "All-Gender" signs. These two designations may seem similar in sense or even identical. However, Bsign explains why these signs differ in social, cultural, and design contexts.

What is a "Unisex" signature?

Unisex signs are commonly used for restrooms that accommodate everyone, regardless of gender (all gender restrooms). These restrooms are used by men, women and individuals of all gender identities. "Unisex" signs are the examples of restroom signage that make the space versatile and do not carry a deeper meaning.

This solution is often selected due to:

• Practicality: less space and money are needed to furnish two separate facilities.
• Convenience: visitors don't feel uncomfortable and waste time looking for the "correct" entrance to the restroom.
• Symbol of neutrality: unisex restroom or bathroom signs promote equality for all single users but do not emphasize diversity and explicitly acknowledge gender identities.

At the same time, "Unisex" signs are mostly associated with the simplicity and neutrality of male and female. This is reflected in their often minimalistic design and style: the phrase "Unisex" or the icons of a man and a woman standing side by side.

What does "All Genders" signs mean?

"For all genders" or "All-gender" signs carry more inclusive meaning. They not only acknowledge gender diversity but also actively advocate for and support it. These are signs that openly declare: we recognize and accept everyone, regardless of how a person identifies themselves.

These signs are significant due to:

• Social mission: they emphasize that the institution is a designated space for everyone, regardless of gender.
• Inclusiveness: they are about comfortable conditions for non-binary, transgender people and those who do not fit into the familiar binary system "male / female".
• Cultural message: they are a symbol of modern changes in a society where everyone within a specific group has the right to be respected.

The design of these all genders restroom signs alone emphasizes diversity. This is created through the bright colors of the rainbow, atypical icons or humorous inscriptions that blur the boundaries of stereotypes.

Why is it important to understand the difference between unisex vs all gender?

Choosing between "Unisex" and "All Genders" signs is not just a design decision. It's a reflection of the values and tolerance of your business and the people behind it.

• "Unisex" signature says: "We create a comfortable space for everyone, both women and men."
• "All genders" toilet facilities proclaim: "We respect and support gender diversity."

This is particularly important in countries where gender equality and LGBT rights remain a key point and pressing issues. Choosing an appropriate sign can be a signal to the audience: how progressive, open and conscious your business establishment is. It also works as a green light to invite and accept "your" people inside your space.

Conclusion

Although "Unisex" and "All Genders" signs share similarities, they differ in their key message. If the former is focused on practicality and convenience, the latter is open support for gender diversity and LGBT people.

Thus signs are no longer just signs or marks, but the voice and strong position of your business. It is important that this voice conveys your values and views. And to this end, we advise you to pick up a sign at a free consultation with the Bsign team. To do this, fill out the application and we will contact you.