Justice, Equity and Inclusion: Santa Monica expands gender accessibility at public beach restrooms
July 17, 2024 1:36 PM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 18, 2024) – Following the successful conversion of restrooms at several city parks, the city of Santa Monica is set to complete all-gender restrooms at the beach and Pier this month.
The effort is in partnership with the Santa Monica Pier Corporation and is partially supported by a $40,000 grant from the office of Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey P. Horvath.
Santa Monica beaches and Pier are among the top-visited destinations in the region. Now, visitors will have expanded access to a basic life necessity, regardless of their gender identity. The all-gender restrooms also benefit those who need to assist someone of a different gender, such as a caregiver or parent.
“Santa Monica embraces people of all gender identities. The all-gender signage is a significant advancement in our work to ensure our spaces are accessible to everyone. Moreover, the all-gender signage sends the important message that Santa Monica’s spaces are welcoming spaces for all genders and gender identities,” Deputy City Manager and LGBTQ+ Liaison Christopher Smith said. “Everyone should feel welcome while enjoying our beautiful Santa Monica beaches and I want to thank L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey P. Horvath for her support.”
All-gender restrooms are increasingly commonplace, found in restaurants, cultural venues and academic institutions.
“Santa Monica is known around the world as a welcoming place where anyone can be free to be themselves,” said Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. “As we take this meaningful step, I encourage everyone to take part in enjoying our Pier and beach and spending the day in our beautiful city."
The majority of Santa Monica’s existing beach and pier restrooms were constructed using an individual toilet stall and locking mechanism design with common areas for hand washing. Phase I of the conversion project includes installing new door signage on the existing restrooms, with expected completion by August. Phase 2 includes installing new wayfinding signage, set to be completed by spring 2025.
Santa Monica has long been a leader in fostering equity and inclusion. The 2022 Santa Monica/West Hollywood co-sponsored legislation Senate Bill 1194 paved the way for local agencies to expand access to inclusive all-gender restroom facilities within their jurisdictions. In 2023, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance requiring all-gender, multi-stall public restrooms for all newly constructed buildings and the city began the process of converting existing public restrooms at its beach and parks.
“The city of Santa Monica’s transition to all-gender restrooms on our beaches is a meaningful act of inclusion for both local communities and visitors who enjoy our beautiful coastline,” Horvath said. “This investment puts Santa Monica’s values into action and is part of their longstanding commitment to equality and creating a welcoming community for all. My office is proud to support this effort.”
The all-gender restroom project advances the city’s key strategic priority of Justice, Equity & Inclusion.
In addition, it reinforces the city’s leadership in LGBTQ+ equity, as a recipient of a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index for five consecutive years. The Municipal Equality Index rates cities based on non-discrimination laws as an employer and provider of municipal services to the community including law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
For more information on Justice, Equity & Inclusion efforts, click here.
Media Contact
Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
Tati.Simonian@santamonica.gov
