Save a Seat for Dignity!

For the full version of this article, written by Mason Bunce, check out our free Substack post or subscribe to our Patreon.

What is dignity?

Google defines it as "the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect." But dignity is more than that—it’s self-respect, the ability to feel comfortable in our bodies and our surroundings. It’s something everyone deserves, yet for many, it’s hard to come by.

Maslow’s hierarchy places dignity—self-worth—at the top. Some see that as optional, but think of it this way: the peak of a pyramid is its focal point. Without dignity, we lose our sense of purpose, becoming aimless in a world that constantly challenges our worth.

A private bathroom is a space of dignity. It’s where we tend to our needs without fear or shame. But what happens when that space doesn’t exist?

Imagine being in a park, feeling the urgent need to go. No house, no nearby facility. Maybe a gas station—but they require a purchase. Maybe an alley—risking exposure and humiliation. You find a bush, finally relieve yourself, but now you have no way to clean up.

Do you feel dignified? Absolutely not.

This daily reality affects millions—unsheltered individuals, gig workers, people with gastrointestinal disorders, entire communities lacking sanitation. The inability to meet a basic human need safely erodes self-worth. It affects mental and emotional well-being, creates stigma, and deepens inequality.

Now, imagine that same park, but this time, there’s a restroom.

A door that locks, a clean seat, a moment of relief. You step out feeling lighter—not just physically, but emotionally. Society benefits, too: cleaner streets, healthier people, a more inclusive, dignified community.

Access to safe, clean bathrooms isn’t just about hygiene—

it’s about human dignity.

When we provide these spaces, we affirm people’s worth, enabling them to move through the world with confidence and self-respect. It’s a simple step, but one that transforms lives.

How does personal toilet dignity impact how a community as a whole thrives?

Read Mason’s full blog post to find out.

Read the full blog

This article originally appeared in our February 2025 email newsletter.