Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Male to female transsexual talk (MTF) => Topic started by: melissa90299 on April 17, 2007, 07:34:49 AM

Title: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: melissa90299 on April 17, 2007, 07:34:49 AM
I joined the YMCA around the corner from where I live, (How convenient!) the registration asked for gender, male, female or transgendered. I checked off FEMALE.
The rep made out my membership card and gave me the entry code for the women's locker room and female only fitness center.

Although, I have been using ladies rooms for 3 years, I must say I felt some trepidation at being in a women's locker room. After working out and noticing that no one gave me a second look, I felt more comfortable. I hadn't as yet actually "been exposed" to any naked bodies, that didn't happen til the second day. At first, seeing women casually walking around naked was a bit disconcerting and what surprised me was that women don't make any effort to cover up, everyone just wraps the towels around their waist.

Since the Y is literally around the corner, I don't have to worry about showering there but (being pre-op for another couple months) but I really would like to shower and use the sauna. I am not sure exactly how I would pull it off, I guess I would be OK just make sure the towel around my waist is secure! :) and maybe wear panties underneath just in case and then change them in the stall.
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: Melissa on April 17, 2007, 08:25:09 AM
Quote from: melissa90299 on April 17, 2007, 07:34:49 AM
...but I really would like to shower and use the sauna. I am not sure exactly how I would pull it off, I guess I would be OK just make sure the towel around my waist is secure! :) and maybe wear panties underneath just in case and then change them in the stall.
If it's only a couple of months away, I would strongly recommend holding off until after surgery.  You don't want to accidentally out yourself and lose your opportunity.  Also, I'm pretty sure women don't wear panties when they shower, so that may raise some questions.  I'm just a little concerned for you is all.  Using the women's locker room while pre-op is something I am daring enough to do, but the shower would be just a bit too much (except if wearing a swimsuit at the time because of the pool).
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: rhondabythebay on April 17, 2007, 12:56:39 PM
Quote from: Melissa on April 17, 2007, 08:25:09 AM
Also, I'm pretty sure women don't wear panties when they shower, so that may raise some questions.  I'm just a little concerned for you is all.  Using the women's locker room while pre-op is something I am daring enough to do, but the shower would be just a bit too much (except if wearing a swimsuit at the time because of the pool).

I would go with the swimsuit in the shower, as Melissa mentioned. That is what my wife would do at the Y...she just felt more comfortable that way.

Rhonda
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: Dennis on April 17, 2007, 01:06:56 PM
Yeah, a lot of women will wear swimsuits in the shower. That wouldn't make you stand out. You could probably wear one in the sauna as well.

Dennis
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: melissa90299 on April 17, 2007, 04:00:37 PM
Thanks for the advice, I don't think I made myself clear, the panties I would wear would be the same as a bikini bottom and worn just in case the towel slipped off.

Somehow, I can't see women at this particular Y showering or using the sauna with a bathing suit on, I mean, you are talking about a place where public nudity doesn't raise an eyebrow.

Anyway, I am going to wait awhile and get more comfortable with the place before I do anything other than exercise. I bought some new workout clothes and can hardly wait to get over today, alhough I have been hitting it hard the last two days, I am kinda sore.

I am just digging having a male free zone to workout in, gosh I got on the elevator yesterday (the complex is huge, eight floors) and there was a guy heading down to the male locker room, all sweaty and grunting. Gross!!!
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: Melissa on April 17, 2007, 05:08:23 PM
I understood, but showering with a towel on???  That would look yet even more strange.  What would you use to dry off?  All I meant by the swimsuit was that was what *I* had done because the primary reason for using the locker room at my apartments is for the pool.  Either way, the place sounds like a lot of fun.  Our YMCA (which I've never gone to as female) is only 2 stories high and has an elevator.

Melissa
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: melissa90299 on April 17, 2007, 09:31:31 PM
Quote from: Melissa on April 17, 2007, 05:08:23 PM
I understood, but showering with a towel on???  That would look yet even more strange.  What would you use to dry off?  All I meant by the swimsuit was that was what *I* had done because the primary reason for using the locker room at my apartments is for the pool.  Either way, the place sounds like a lot of fun.  Our YMCA (which I've never gone to as female) is only 2 stories high and has an elevator.

Melissa

All my fantasies about using my remaining NCAA eligibilty to play Division I Women's Basketball were dashed today as I spent some time shooting baskets, or trying to, it took me like 25 shots before I sank one!

Today, I noticed the younger (and more petite) women cover up with a towel going into the shower. BTW the showers are in private stalls, the only isue would be changing back into my street clothes.

Anyway, I have just been enjoying working out, I was able to be placed on disabilty at 100% of my pay rate, and I plan on recovering for at least six months, during which, I will also have my SRS and BA.

Right now, I am 5'11" and 202lbs. I want to get down to 170 and get into size 8 jeans by the time of the surgery, late July I am hoping...

Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: Melissa on April 17, 2007, 09:35:03 PM
Quote from: melissa90299 on April 17, 2007, 09:31:31 PM
Today, I noticed the younger (and more petite) women cover up with a towel going into the shower. BTW the showers are in private stalls, the only isue would be changing back into my street clothes.
Ah, ok.  You hadn't made that clear.

Melissa
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: melissa90299 on May 13, 2007, 11:42:49 AM
No way I would even consider taking a shower otherwise, not until I get back from Thailand. Sorry I didn't make it clear.
Lost 2lbs in four days of working out, my surgeon wants me to get down to 180 by July 11th, that should be do-able, that's about 2 lbs a week for 10 weeks, I was averaging nearly 3 lbs a week when I needed to get down for my FFS.

I just now got confirmation of my SRS date, July 11th arrival in Phuket. I am pumped up!!!

EDIT:
I am getting to the point that I am working out so hard, (did an hour on the treadmill today)I really NEED a shower before I go home. I notice that women are really comfortable around me. I am still getting used to women just walking around completely naked without covering up. (Most do though)

Anyway, I notice there is a hook for the towel just outside the shower stalls, it would be no problem going in the stall and hanging the towel on the hook and drying off in the stall, so I am going to do it.

It's just so cool working out in a woman's only space. Just the best. And I will be post-op in a couple months, it will be even better!


Update, I have been using the shower for a week now, it's no longer a big deal as is being around a bunch of other naked women, in fact, I have a had a few conversations with other women while half-clothed ( I usually wrap the towel around my waist, which a lot of women do, the more bashful keep a towel wrapped around their chest, most older women just walk back and forth to the shower completely naked)

The dynamic that occurs in these situations has probably been the beneficial thing I have ever experienced to my confidence as a woman. It's yet another "pinch me I must be dreaming" situation that makes transitioning so exciting.
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: togetherwecan on May 13, 2007, 11:56:07 AM
heh, I find this thread somewhat amusing as a GG, when I belonged to a gym I hated walking around nude. When I was in Jr High very few girls had breasts and I was already a DD so I always felt like I was *on stage* and being looked at when we had to dress out and then shower (which was required). I think those feelings carried over into adulthood.
I use the hooks outside the shower just like Melissa does. I am not ashamed of my body I just hate being stared at.
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: Chandra21 on May 16, 2007, 02:53:15 PM
I'm still nervous about using the ladies room because I'm still learning how to pass, and i'm afraid someone will yell out "pervert!" at me. I know for myself that I am not a pervert... but society is stupid and labels me as one.
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: Laura Eva B on May 16, 2007, 03:35:48 PM
Mellissa,

I think you've taken it really sensibly in the women's changing rooms and showers ....

First establish that you "pass", build the trust of the regulars, and progress gradually from there.

To be honest pre SRS we have no entitlement to use areas where other women might wish to feel safe naked, and it is up to us to establish how far we can go without being "read" or causing offence.

If we are percieved as "male" in a "women only" area (inclduing even toilets) then we should understand that women could understanably question our motivation for being there, and see us as a threat ... after all for women the threat of "rape" is very much a reality !

We had a 6ft 2in, 250lb, pre-op "woman" on a UK forum, who herself was the first to admit that she would never pass in a million years (even given FFS), who insisted on her "right" to use a local swimming pool's communal female changing facilities ... and took her fight to the press. 

You can imagine how much good that did the local TS community, but we still had the "usual TS rights fighting suspects" standing up for her cause !!!

Laura
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: melissa90299 on May 17, 2007, 12:01:09 AM
Quote from: Laura Eva B on May 16, 2007, 03:35:48 PM
Mellissa,

I think you've taken it really sensibly in the women's changing rooms and showers ....

First establish that you "pass", build the trust of the regulars, and progress gradually from there.

To be honest pre SRS we have no entitlement to use areas where other women might wish to feel safe naked, and it is up to us to establish how far we can go without being "read" or causing offence.

If we are percieved as "male" in a "women only" area (inclduing even toilets) then we should understand that women could understanably question our motivation for being there, and see us as a threat ... after all for women the threat of "rape" is very much a reality !

We had a 6ft 2in, 250lb, pre-op "woman" on a UK forum, who herself was the first to admit that she would never pass in a million years (even given FFS), who insisted on her "right" to use a local swimming pool's communal female changing facilities ... and took her fight to the press. 

You can imagine how much good that did the local TS community, but we still had the "usual TS rights fighting suspects" standing up for her cause !!!

Laura

Actually, according to California law, I do have the right to use female facilities. And in San Francisco, it would be unheard of to complain about a transwoman using the women's facilities. No one knows or is going to know I am pre-op. Obviously, some discretion is required, if someone clocks guy, she is just setting herself for grief by pushing the envelope.

I am still shocked that women are so comfortable around me undressed. No one bats an eye, that is a very good sign. Today, in particular, it was crowded and it seemed like none of the women wanted to cover up. I felt a little self-conscious but I was OK.

And I still can't believeit was not that long ago that I dreaded using the ladies room.

Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: rachelcarmoly on January 25, 2013, 01:03:44 PM
I just started going full-time a couple weeks ago. In Colorado, we are allowed to use whatever locker room or restroom we choose and identify with our gender. Would I ever go into the mens in femme? Heck no! And vice versa. Why provoke trouble?

That being said, my gym saw my license gender marker updated, and have told me to use the womens locker room. If you talk to the gym, you might be surprised how accommodating they are. Because they fear legal action? I'd like to think not. I'd like to think society has just evolved. But who knows.

I am a big woman - 6' 330lbs. I wouldn't say I pass, but I don't stand out enough to cause second looks. And in the case of women, when you do get second looks, most just smile at you to let you know your safe, and they are accepting you.

RE the locker room, I started using the women locker room last week. The truth is most women don't even look twice. I had one woman though look at me twice, and then proceed to fully undress in front of me. So I think even if they do know, if your transgender, they assume your gay - and women generally have no problem changing in front of gay guys.

I'm not gay, but hormones have made sure I'm not aroused anymore, so it's really a non issue.

Make sure you are hairless. Make sure you are clean. Women value their privacy, so change discreetly... just like most of them do.
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: PHXGiRL on January 26, 2013, 08:10:25 PM
This will be the most nerve racking experience for me. Props to you sis for conquering it.
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: milktea on January 27, 2013, 03:39:22 AM
it is more alarming when you go into the gents...i even had a guy once peed his pants when he saw me walking in, which is when i figured out that it is probably a good idea to start using the ladies from then on...
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: Tristan on January 27, 2013, 10:42:57 AM
Quote from: milktea on January 27, 2013, 03:39:22 AM
it is more alarming when you go into the gents...i even had a guy once peed his pants when he saw me walking in, which is when i figured out that it is probably a good idea to start using the ladies from then on...
yeah once they see you as female its time to start using the other room
Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: Kim 526 on January 28, 2013, 05:47:03 PM
The Massachusetts law passed last year does not state that transpeople have the right to public accommodations, such as restaurants, public transit, hospitals, rest rooms. The bill was originally dubbed "The Bathroom Bill" in the papers, since that was the way its opponents struck fear into the public. The bill was watered down.

The Mass Transgender Political Caucus (which I support) is going to have a bill introduced to the State House which would change the existing law to public places. It is titled "An Act Relative to Equal Access in Hospitals, Public Transportation, Nursing Homes, Supermarkets, Retail Establishments, and all other places open to the public."

MTPC.org is their website, to get all the facts.

Kim

Title: Re: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: kae m on January 28, 2013, 06:38:34 PM
Quote from: milktea on January 27, 2013, 03:39:22 AM
it is more alarming when you go into the gents...i even had a guy once peed his pants when he saw me walking in, which is when i figured out that it is probably a good idea to start using the ladies from then on...
Yeah...two experiences in particular let me know I had to be more cognizant of how I was being perceived by other people back when I didn't necessarily think I looked very female.

The first was on a business trip to a more conservative part of the country. I had a pretty long ponytail and was on hormones for a few months at that point...apparently it was enough down there. I was in the men's room of a restaurant washing my hands at the sink when this guy walked in, became bright red, and apologized profusely before turning around to walk toward the women's restroom. A few seconds later he angrily and quickly walked past me while I was trying to get out of there as fast as I could.

A few months later I had stopped at a highway rest stop to use the facilities. Thinking I was back north and my relative androgyny would still be read as male, I went to the men's room. So did the woman who was behind me walking into the building. She kinda freaked out. I felt bad, but it was pretty funny.
Quote from: Kim 526 on January 28, 2013, 05:47:03 PM
The Massachusetts law passed last year does not state that transpeople have the right to public accommodations, such as restaurants, public transit, hospitals, rest rooms. The bill was originally dubbed "The Bathroom Bill" in the papers, since that was the way its opponents struck fear into the public. The bill was watered down.

The Mass Transgender Political Caucus (which I support) is going to have a bill introduced to the State House which would change the existing law to public places. It is titled "An Act Relative to Equal Access in Hospitals, Public Transportation, Nursing Homes, Supermarkets, Retail Establishments, and all other places open to the public."

MTPC.org is their website, to get all the facts.

Kim
The MA bill last year was a bad deal. I was so disappointed to hear it went the way it did when it seemed so promising at the outset. CT passed our law which did include public accommodations just a few months before MA brought theirs to a vote. I couldn't believe they had to gut it of public accommodations before it would pass when it never seemed like it was that big of a deal here.
Title: The Women's Locker Room
Post by: Zumbagirl on January 28, 2013, 07:19:34 PM
About 5 years ago I joined a planet fitness and I used to go there out of work, which meant I was wearing work clothes like nice slacks or maybe a skirt and would have to change up. I was about 5 years post op so I guess I should have nothing to worry about, but I was still a little self conscious stripping down to my underwear to work out. The first time I changed back into my work clothes which was a stupid idea since I was stinky from working out. After that I started showering there and to be honest it wasn't so bad. Eventually I got over the fear of someone seeing my bush (what's there to see anyways??) and just did my thing. This was in Massachusetts a long time before they passed any laws, but I had no problems that I know of. I left the gym when I switched jobs. Now I go to a golds gym and I don't like the accommodations. The locker rooms are wide open to the outside. A guy could walk right in by accident. From what I an tell very few women shower there. They go there to work out and then go home, dressed in workout clothes. That's my experience. The only time I see the inside of the locker room is when I need to pee, other than that I am just there to work out. If I need to show off some skin, that's what summer time and bathing suits are for :) I don't do all of this working out for nothing!! :)