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16 Comments

news

Huh.

By Jonathan Goldsbie

2008_2_4WhaddyaKnow.jpg
2008_2_4FairEnough.jpg
This is probably not the issue these signs are trying to address.
Photos taken by Jonathan Goldsbie at Innis College‘s men’s washroom.

Comments

  • ericeric

    I can definitely think of worse ways to address the issue.

  • Gloria

    Awkward.

  • andrew

    The information tag at the bottom is interesting: what kind of questions could you honestly have? Other than wide-eyed innocent ones, of course.

  • Marc Lostracco

    Was Larry Craig in town for a lecture or something?

  • WannaBinToranna

    let me be perfectly clear…

  • msattwood

    is the gravy boat still here

  • samdamnramadan

    I’m a UofT student and this post has made me think. Initially, I’m happy there’s awareness of “trespassers” on the UofT campus and something should be done about it. I’m not suggesting that the intended target of these posters is trespassers, but the point is, students attend to UofT to learn, not to be harassed. Next, I’m incredulous that the LGBTQ (assuming that’s the group that posted the signs), while an recognised group at the UofT, took the liberty of using the UofT crest/logo without the institution’s permission, and sheepishly placed the LGBTQ contact info at the bottom (cuz, believe me, this notice didn’t pass Dr Naylor’s desk prior to posting). Furthermore, the author of the sign needs to recognise that Innis College is private property, not a public facility. I’m left with questions, but I hope this “trespassing” issue is resolved effectively and professionally, rather than placing these passive niceties and trust that the intended target earns some “respect”.

  • Cate Simpson

    I don’t think this is about trespassing…

  • antiboy

    About gay sex. In Innis bathrooms. No?

  • sniderscion

    When I first looked I thought “Ha Ha these would be hilarious in a public bathroom”. Looks like I was laughing too soon. Bizarre.

  • Jonathan Goldsbie

    I do think samdamnramadan was using “trespassing” as a euphemism.
    I should still clarify for him, however, (I know it’s a “him” because I can see his email address) that the signs don’t appear to have been put up by LGBTOUT, which is a student group at U of T, but rather by the Office of LGBTQ Resources and Programs, which is an official U of T office reporting to the Vice President, Human Resources & Equity. And, yes, Innis College is technically private property, but its washrooms — like virtually all those at U of T — are open to anyone during normal building hours. That’s what it means by “public facility.”

  • tripper

    Let’s stop dancing around it and just spell it out, shall we?
    It’s about cruising for sex in the Innis College men’s washroom.
    It’s all a bit strange because this isn’t normally the method queer groups use to deal with complaints about public sex and cruising. Nor is it the modus operandi of building owners/administrators. The signs seem (to me, at least) unofficial in nature and my guess is they were put up by someone taking the “law” in their own hands. Their snotty and judgemental tone give them away as the work of someone …. snotty and judgemental.
    Directing questions to LGBTQ Resources and Programs is a bit on the passive aggressive side as well.

  • antiboy

    tripper: I wasn’t clear enough?

  • Gloria

    Snotty and judgmental? I thought the signs were worded as politely as warranted.
    How much more official are we asking for? A brass plaque?

  • warmflash

    Maybe these were issued by Dalton McGinty’s office in reaction to AFROCENTRIC Schools?

  • RealityCheck

    Snotty and judgemental?
    You’re damn right, and so well they should be.
    You shouldn’t be having sex in public washrooms. Both gays and straights do it, and both kinds of couples should be suitably admonished if/when caught. Cruising spots should be discouraged, especially in public facilities where under 18s frequent – and this now means university campuses where at least 1/3 of first years turn 18 at university.
    A bit of a fumble in the washroom of a bar late in the evening is very different from a washroom at a public institution, especially during the day. Both are wrong – but there are degrees of inappropriateness. I’m exceptionally disappointed that someone is so impolite as to demand respect for public sex! Most of the point is the furtive and risky nature, but all grown-ups need to conduct themselves with a basic level of decency even when they’re breaking rules.