Etihad Stadium’s decision to introduce gender-fluid bathrooms for this week’s annual Pride Game divided social media.
Five toilet blocks generally dedicated to disabled or baby change stations were declared ‘all-gender’ or gender neutral in the lead up to the St Kilda and Sydney clash.
All other toilets have been sign posted with labels such as ‘gender diversity is welcome here.’
‘Please use the rest room that best fits your gender identity and expression,’ another sign read.
Signs were posted all over Etihad Stadium encouraging individuals to use the rest rooms that they felt most comfortable in (pictured)
The gender diverse toilets are located on each level of the stadium, so as to not limit guests.
Footy fans, social commentators and a smattering of social media posts suggest that the idea hasn’t been well received universally.
‘I have two daughters that I wouldn’t feel comfortable sending to a bathroom where anybody can walk into,’ one man said.
‘Then again I’m a dad, who am I to think I have a right to an opinion right?’
Another social media user called the decision ‘nauseatingly stupid’.
One man suggested the implications from this decision could be even greater.
‘Drunk male bogans wandering into the previously labelled female toilets and hoping they’ll get a look. Nothing good can come from this idea.’
One man raises his greatest concern regarding the establishment of non gendered bathrooms at the AFL match
Social media users were divided by the decision to allow gender neutral bathrooms at the game
Frustrated fans took to twitter to express outrage over the decision to have non gendered bathrooms replace disabled toilets and baby change rooms
Others, including outspoken figures in leading the movement such as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex activist Paul Kidd, commended the movement.
‘Footy isn’t what it used to be, and that’s a very good thing,’ he said, alongside an image of where to find the inclusive bathroom stalls.
Many others shared their pride at being a supporter of either of the two teams playing on Saturday in the wake of the announcement.
Others, including outspoken figures in leading the movement such as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex activist Paul Kidd, commended the movement
Many fans were encouraged by the AFL’s decision to take the step toward even greater inclusiveness during their Pride Game
‘Pride round. PC-haters gonna hate, hate, hate, but in my family, we love it.’
The teams themselves also showed their support for the Pride Game.
The Sydney Swans wore rainbow coloured socks, showing solidarity with the cause.
The St Kilda Saints decked their jumpers out with rainbow coloured numbers.
Both clubs have been previously commended on their strong stance and public support of the inclusion of the LGBTI community.
In addition to this, the clubs both had LGBTI banners erected at the beginning of the game.
Host broadcaster Channel 7 also pledged its support of the AFL’s Pride Round.
The hope for the Pride Game is to raise awareness for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex community.
Whether people love or loathe Etihad Stadium’s decision to introduce the intersex bathrooms, it has definitely aided in achieving the goal.
Many fans were encouraged by the AFL’s decision to take the step toward even greater inclusiveness during their Pride Game
The reception of Etihad Stadium’s decision has been evenly divided on social media
A reference to Taylor Swift: This woman seems particularly cheery about Etihad Stadium’s decision
The decision came as a result of feedback provided from the past two year’s pride games