Ep 160: Potty Parity (Women’s Day 2025)
Potty Parity
Last year, we dove into the history of sex-segregated bathrooms in the United States. In short, men and women have been using separate facilities as long as they’ve been expected to interact in shared spaces. It’s almost like that was the plan all along.
We also explored the history of feminine hygiene in recognition of International Women’s Day. Now, nearly a year later, it’s time to revisit that conversation. And, as we inch closer to a cultural consensus on what defines a woman, it’s worth examining the ground rules that dictate why our bathrooms remain divided.
Enter: potty parity.
Defining Parity in the Bathroom
For those unfamiliar, "parity" is another way of saying "equality." If there is parity, things are equal in function or offering. Disparity, on the other hand, occurs when something is not equal. But here’s the catch—equal doesn’t always mean the same.
In theory, striving for parity is a good thing. However, the more complex the issue, the trickier it is to achieve. In the case of restrooms, the distinction between equality (equal opportunity) and equity (equal outcomes) becomes crucial. Sometimes, in the pursuit of equity, equality takes a hit.
This brings us to the idea of equal restroom access—or rather, the realization that traditional "equal" bathroom allocations don’t necessarily translate into fair usage.
A Brief History of Potty Parity
Women’s public restrooms didn’t become a thing until the 1800s because, well, women weren’t really "out and about" in public spaces long enough to need them. Men relieved themselves as needed, while women either stayed home or found ways to manage privately.
As women entered the workforce in the early 20th century, it became clear that separate facilities were necessary. But as workplaces and public spaces adapted, an issue emerged—bathrooms required for women took up more space. And space, as always, equals cost.
The Female Restroom Experience
Women spend more time in restrooms than men for a combination of physiological and cultural reasons. According to the discourse on potty parity, here’s why:
Women must use stalls rather than urinals, which takes longer.
Higher rates of urinary tract infections and incontinence lead to more frequent visits.
Pregnancy, menstruation, and breastfeeding increase restroom usage.
Baby-changing stations are more commonly found in women’s restrooms.
The elderly, who visit restrooms more often, are disproportionately female.
Given these realities, modern potty parity suggests that women’s restrooms should be larger or contain more stalls. While this makes practical sense, it also shifts the debate from "equal facilities" to "equal accessibility."
The Battle for Bathroom Space
Employers quickly realized that accommodating female employees meant either expanding restroom spaces or reducing the number of available toilets within the same square footage. This led to concerns that hiring women would increase costs and liability. While this fear didn’t deter female workforce participation, it did raise logistical questions about how to balance fairness and feasibility.
The Man Who Sued for Potty Parity
Enter John Francis Banzhaf III, a Georgetown Law professor and public interest lawyer who proudly calls himself the "father of potty parity." Banzhaf has a history of high-profile legal activism, including lawsuits against the tobacco industry and McDonald’s. He even played a role in fast-food soda machine regulations and was a part of the lawfare suits against President Donald Trump.
His work on potty parity stems from the argument that equal restroom space is not the same as equitable restroom access. Simply dividing square footage equally between men’s and women’s restrooms, he argues, discriminates against women.
Possible Solutions (Because Holding It Isn’t One)
Potty parity debates have led to various proposed solutions:
Larger women’s restrooms with additional stalls to accommodate longer wait times.
Gender-neutral facilities that allow for more flexible restroom use.
Timed occupancy limits (though good luck enforcing that).
Increased public restroom infrastructure to alleviate congestion altogether.
At the end of the day, the goal is to ensure everyone has reasonable access to a restroom when nature calls. But whether the path forward involves government intervention, architectural redesigns, or simply common sense remains up for debate.
One thing’s for sure—this is one discussion that won’t be flushed away anytime soon.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potty_parity
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potty_parity_in_the_United_States
