<p> Across three scenario-based experiments, we examine how using gender-restricted (men’s/women’s) compared to gender-inclusive restrooms influences cis people’s attitudes toward trans and non-binary people (TNB) and TNB-inclusive policies. We investigate whether the gender-inclusivity of restrooms affects these attitudes through gender salience in Experiments 1 (<i>N</i> = 186) and 2 (<i>N </i>= 153). In a preregistered Experiment 3, we assess a serial mediation path where the gender-inclusivity of restrooms affects attitudes through gender salience and then gender essentialism (<i>N</i> = 325), with intergroup contact as an explanatory moderator. Results indicate that gender-inclusive restrooms promote positive attitudes towards TNB people because they reduce gender salience (Experiments 1, 2, and 3), which encourages less gender essentialism (Experiment 3). Experiment 3 confirmed that positive intergroup contact with a trans person amplifies the positive indirect effects of gender-inclusive restrooms on attitudes about TNB people. Together, the findings provide insight into how cis people process and respond to gender-inclusive restrooms. We discuss the value of gender-inclusive spaces to reduce fear and misinformation of TNB individuals.</p>