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Swimming Units In School

Started by NathanIsAlive, August 10, 2015, 12:24:38 PM

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NathanIsAlive

Hi, I'm starting a new year in school knowing that I am trans for the first time. My school takes swimming very seriously and holds a swimming competition each year that forces all students to participate (by guilt tripping or brute force), and on top of that there is at least one swimming unit in PE. Since puberty started I've always hated swimming not knowing why exactly, until this year I've realised I hated having breasts and I want to be a boy instead.

I skipped all swimming lessons last year and my PE teacher was not happy with it. My excuse was chlorine allergies and it was partly true, I do get rashes after long periods of time in the pool. This year I have the same teacher and I could still use the same excuse with a doctor's letter, but I feel like that would make the situation worse. I don't have a binder and I can't come out to my transphobic parents yet and especially my teacher, however I can tell my mom about my terrible chest dysphoria.

Should I be honest and tell him that I don't feel comfortable around the pool? My mom really wants me to swim this year too but my chest dysphoria gets worse everyday. Sometimes I get so anxious about this I feel like crying, please help!

Thanks,

Nathan
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Pizzaparty78

Hey man, sorry to see that you have to deal with this. I understand how you feel, I had the same swim unit last year, and I was dreading it. I was unable to tell my teacher (I would've failed the class if I didn't swim), and my parents weren't very helpful at the time, so I just did it. I had to just not focus on all my dysphoria at the time, and I wore my board shorts and rash guard. When it came to changing in the locker rooms (worst part) I ran straight for a bathroom stall (I still had to use the girls' one last year). Being in the pool wasnt that bad, but I don't get rashes. We had a guest lifeguard who taught us, and I passed as a guy, even though my chest wasnt flat at all and I wasnt out to the class.

So I think that you should tell your coach, unless you feel unsafe. But as long as you do feel safe, I think it'd be best to tell him/her about how uncomfortable you are, and possibly about your allergies. And if you can't come out to your parents, maybe you can talk to a school counselor or a trusted teacher? I came out to one of my teachers so I could talk about it with someone. So yeah, try talking with your gym teacher, see if you can sort things through. Oh, and try talking to your mom about your dysphoria, if you feel safe.

And if all else fails, swimming wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it'd be last year, even though it's not good for your dysphoria, it was still a good experience, so maybe you'll just have to swim. I wish you luck
"It's not about what's in your pants, but what's in your heart..."



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NathanIsAlive

Quote from: Pizzaparty78 on August 10, 2015, 01:44:30 PM
Hey man, sorry to see that you have to deal with this. I understand how you feel, I had the same swim unit last year, and I was dreading it. I was unable to tell my teacher (I would've failed the class if I didn't swim), and my parents weren't very helpful at the time, so I just did it. I had to just not focus on all my dysphoria at the time, and I wore my board shorts and rash guard. When it came to changing in the locker rooms (worst part) I ran straight for a bathroom stall (I still had to use the girls' one last year). Being in the pool wasnt that bad, but I don't get rashes. We had a guest lifeguard who taught us, and I passed as a guy, even though my chest wasnt flat at all and I wasnt out to the class.

So I think that you should tell your coach, unless you feel unsafe. But as long as you do feel safe, I think it'd be best to tell him/her about how uncomfortable you are, and possibly about your allergies. And if you can't come out to your parents, maybe you can talk to a school counselor or a trusted teacher? I came out to one of my teachers so I could talk about it with someone. So yeah, try talking with your gym teacher, see if you can sort things through. Oh, and try talking to your mom about your dysphoria, if you feel safe.

And if all else fails, swimming wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it'd be last year, even though it's not good for your dysphoria, it was still a good experience, so maybe you'll just have to swim. I wish you luck

Hi thanks so much for the reply, it helped me a lot! However I can't wear rash guards or board shorts since my mum would definitely not allow me to wear them. Plus the only way for me to pass is to wear baggy clothes, since I have a really feminine body and everyone in school knows me as a girl.

I can talk to the school counselor but I've heard that it will evolve my parents too. I think I'll just tell my mum about my dysphoria and let her write about it in the parents letter.

P.s. I like Gravity Falls too  ;D
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Laura_7

Here are a few resources that might help with coming out:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,193934.msg1728688.html#msg1728688

just remember to stay safe...

sometimes other people try to make other people fit their image of them.
But you are you, not an image other people have. You might tell that... that you will be still the same person, like your male/female twin, with the same sense of humour.. and some other feelings they do not know about...
you should eventually do what you feel makes you happy...

Don't let comments get to you. They are often meant to help you get onto a path they feel is more safe. Often its motivated by insecurity or fears of the people saying them.

here is another resource:
http://hawaii.edu/hivandaids/Some_Considerations_in_Coming_Out_Trans_to_Your_Parents_and_Family.pdf

I'd say just take the time you need but keep at it...


hugs
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vihar_kitsune

So sorry that you have to deal with all of this  :-\

When I was made to do swimming in school I wore a binder and an old t-shirt in the pool, some people give you weird looks and kids ask why you're wearing a shirt however it makes you look flat and it helps me pass.

I would talk to your mum about it and see what she has to say, although it sucks if you do not have long left of school you could brave it out. If it becomes overwhelming just talk to your doctor and get a note, it isn't your fault if you get ill by doing it.

Best of luck
Best of luck  ;)

~~~~~~~
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AndrewB

If you think binding might help in the water, Underworks makes a swim binder tank that's basically made of neoprene. I loved mine, and I definitely would have used it more before I had too surgery, if the opportunity had arisen. It was really easy to breathe in, no trouble with range of motion either. If it's not out of your price range, I definitely recommend it.
Andrew | 21 | FTM | US | He/Him/His








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