Quote from: alienbodybuilder on March 25, 2016, 09:48:56 AM
Someone just recently posted a locker room question but that was about highschool. What I want to know is if you specifically go to the YMCA gym are there curtains to change behind or is the whole thing open? I have heard stories, but it was from a woman about 'men don't care much about privacy so everything is open' I don't shower at the gym. I go home to shower.
Because I was an everyday regular before and hope to become one again I also worry about being in between transition and what I'll pass as.
At what point in your transition did you start to use your true gender's locker room and bathroom? I was thinking once my outside appearance starts to look male. My small breasts are easily made to look flat under a shirt by just a sports bra with no cups. I would just keep my underwear on while changing.
I'll be especially grateful for the advice on this one.
I use the Y currently, but I don't use the locker rooms. Not because I don't pass, but just because I change before I go. I usually go home before going to the gym. I know that's not a thing for some people, so I'll answer this the best way I can.
I believe all YMCA's differ a little bit. Some will probably have different locker-room situations, but the one I've been in is pretty open. There were no stalls except for shower stalls. There were rows of lockers, and benches in the middle -- just about identical to what you'd see on TV. And guys would just change in the middle of the rows. That being said, usually there is no one in the locker room so if you wanted to change quickly, then I don't see it being an issue, if you pass.
Now, let's go back to my experiences.
I am currently 5 years on T. I have passed 100 percent ever since the 4 month on T mark. And before that it was 90 percent. Even before T. So I've never been misgendered really. Therefore, I know my experiences may differ from others. That being said, I have used gyms consistently for years.
I had a membership at a gym before I had a membership at the Y and the locker room was again, pretty dang open. I used that one. I was probably 6 months on T. I wore men's underwear (never wore a packer) and my binder, which looks like a tank top so no one ever questioned me, when someone was actually in there. Also, men don't really pay attention. But don't -- and I repeat DON'T -- put yourself in a situation you aren't confident with, and which you think you'd be in danger of being harassed. In my experience, guys don't give a crap. I have never really looked at another guy in a locker room or a bathroom.
I see silhouettes usually. Not actual faces or bodies. I don't look, and neither do any of my buddies when we go in to restrooms at the same time. It's not something we stand around and do. Locker rooms and bathrooms are typically the same -- it's go in and go out. No chatter.
You say that you have small breasts, and that you wear men's underwear -- if you feel like you can pass as a younger man/boy (since I'm assuming you're not on T or not far on T) -- I would say you'll be fine.
I always used this: If I change in front of my buddies (the ones who don't know) will they notice anything? If they don't, then I know I should be fine to do it in front of other guys.
One thing you could try, depending on how hot it is, you could wear maybe a dry-fit shirt under your regular clothes during the day, and just change out of your regular clothes, and just take that stuff off, leaving the workout shirt, and change bottoms.
