Public Bathrooms and American Inequality

Public restrooms have often played significant roles in historical movements and societal changes. This is the premise of Bryant Simon’s book, “For Customers Only: Public Bathrooms and the Making of American Inequality.” Simon, a professor at Temple University, explores the connections between public restrooms and various social justice movements, including civil rights, farm labor, and transgender issues.

The Role of Bathrooms in History

Public restrooms have long been venues for pivotal societal events. A historic example is Long Beach’s battle against homosexuality over a century ago, which primarily focused on sexual encounters in these public spaces.

Simon’s book delves into different aspects of public bathrooms, including their usage and the societal norms that emerged around them.

His chapter on “Misbehaving” outlines behaviors that became common during the Gilded Age. People were expected to navigate public restrooms quickly and anonymously, creating environments where gay men could meet discreetly.

Long Beach’s Vice Patrol

Initially, public bathrooms symbolized progress in Long Beach, boasting features like white sinks and modern toilets. This image changed in 1914, following an undercover operation that arrested 31 men for “social vagrancy,” contributing to rampant homophobia in the area.

Two actors, B.C. Brown and H.W. Warren, were hired as vice officers targeting public restrooms. They used their charm and appearance to trap individuals suspected of homosexual acts. Those caught faced severe social and financial repercussions.

The economic stakes were high, with officers earning $10 per arrest. In today’s dollars, this amounts to about $334 per arrest, sometimes netting officers up to $5,000 per day.

Gay Rights Activism

By the late 1960s, the gay rights movement reached Long Beach, advocating for equal rights and an end to discrimination. Activists worked to counter police entrapment tactics in bathrooms but also sought to curb public sex through strategic campaigns.

They suggested closing public restrooms at night and took proactive measures to prevent illegal activities by stationing community members at these locations.

Evolving Focus

Ultimately, attention on bathroom raids waned as police shifted focus to bars and other social venues. Public restrooms faded as a societal concern.

Bryant Simon’s insights into the historical significance of public bathrooms offer a unique perspective on American social dynamics. His work highlights the intersections of privacy, discrimination, and societal change.