The Charlotte Hornets lost the 2017 All-Star game largely because of the controversial “bathroom law” in North Carolina in July. Less than three months later, a different NBA team announced it will have transgender bathrooms in its new arena.
Golden 1 Center is slated to open in October as the new home arena of the Sacramento Kings. When it opens, fans will be treated to more than the usual male and female bathroom options.
There will be 23 bathrooms at Golden Center that will be labeled as “All Gender.” On top of that, a team spokesman told reporters that all 54 of the multiple occupancy restrooms will be open for fans regardless of gender.
NEW- @Golden1Center hailed for transgender-friendly restrooms https://t.co/DYoTB9FTpu pic.twitter.com/RUbgNlqjOc
— Dale Kasler (@dakasler) September 28, 2016
“The Sacramento Kings are leading not only the NBA, but sports worldwide in building the first arena to ensure transgender fans are fully respected and welcomed,” Rick Zbur, the executive director of Equality California, told the Sacramento Bee.
“(The Kings) wanted to ensure the very best fan experience for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Kings Chairman Vivek Ranadive said in a statement.
Once again, this is nearly the complete opposite of the situation in North Carolina that caused the NBA to move the 2017 NBA All-Star Game from Charlotte to New Orleans.
In North Carolina, the NC House recently passed legislation prohibiting people from using restrooms that don’t align with the gender on their birth certificate. In Sacramento, fans will be able to use whatever bathroom they choose, regardless of their birth certificate.
Some of the signs from the first arena to fully accommodate transgender fans. @Golden1Center @sacramentokings #lgbt pic.twitter.com/t7bfPc7jo0
— Adam Keigwin (@akeigwin) September 28, 2016
According to the Sacramento Bee, transgender-rights advocates believe Golden 1 Center will be the first sporting arena in the world with all-gender restrooms. While family-friendly restrooms have been in arenas and stadiums for years, Golden 1’s restroom policy is a big step forward.
The arena isn’t even open yet, but fans have already started to praise Golden 1 Center for its big step forward.
https://twitter.com/YRDesmond/status/781277639680163840
I applaud the @SacramentoKings for building the 1st sports arena to fully accommodate transgender fans. https://t.co/amXurq6bYB
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 28, 2016
Kudos to @sacramentoKings for providing full accommodations for #transgender fans @Golden1Center! @eqca https://t.co/uhMQ2b4rRM
— Dave Jones (@CA_DaveJones) September 28, 2016
[Sporting News; Sacramento Bee]