I recently joined a health club specifically because they have a lap pool. In another life I swam for a year round travel team, from about age 8 to 16. It was a very large part of my childhood, but for obvious reasons, it always felt wrong. I hated having to use the locker room that I had to.
Throughout my transition I had often wanted to get back in the pool and swim as me, but I knew I would never feel comfortable in a women's locker room until a certain member of my party had left the building. I know that not everyone feels that way, and that's fine for them. More power to you if you don't feel that you have to deal with that thing the way I did. I just knew that I had to.
And then one day, after a few surgeries, suddenly I wanted to get back into the pool. I joined a local health club, and finally braved changing in the locker room. Admittedly, the first time, my wife joined me in the locker room. We both changed in the general area, without an issue. The most worrisome part is that I don't feel comfortable without something on my head. I've got a bit of hair, but not enough. Anywho, I quickly just took off my hat and put on a swim cap and that was that. It was completely uneventful.
We did a bunch of laps and returned to the locker room. They have individual, private showers, which we used. As swimmers, what's typical is to strip, and then rinse our suits. However then became my issue, how to get back to the locker, without my suit or hair cap on. I had one towel. What to do? I covered my head by wrapping the towel around it, and walked back to my locker naked.
I have since been back multiple times by myself and have had basically the same experience. Though I have figured things out so that I'm generally not walking fully naked around the locker room. A lifelong image of myself has finally been fulfilled and that is amazing.
@Nadine Spirit
Dear Kelly:Thank you for sharing and posting your wonderful report.
Very inspiring to many of our transitioning membersHUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
Hi Nadine Another swimmer, then I'm not alone! You mention;
Quote from: Nadine Spirit on July 09, 2024, 06:15:54 PMI recently joined a health club specifically because they have a lap pool. In another life I swam for a year round travel team, from about age 8 to 16. It was a very large part of my childhood, but for obvious reasons, it always felt wrong. I hated having to use the locker room that I had to.
Yes, in another life time I also trained and competed with my fellow compatriots, winning medals and awards in the process. This was between the years 1980 and 1989 and this was from the age of 20 to 30. There were times, I wanted to wear what the girls wore when they swam and looking at the new catalogues of swimming costumes was especially wonderful as the style and coloring of girl bathers was so much better than the boys. I did not have a problem using the change room during those years.
Quote from: Nadine Spirit on July 09, 2024, 06:15:54 PMThroughout my transition I had often wanted to get back in the pool and swim as me, but I knew I would never feel comfortable in a women's locker room until a certain member of my party had left the building. I know that not everyone feels that way, and that's fine for them. More power to you if you don't feel that you have to deal with that thing the way I did. I just knew that I had to.
Swimming for me was an addiction, I could not give it up, but I had to when I changed my life around. Luckily, I was only out of the water for about a year only. I was working towards my surgery letters. I know I wanted what was down stairs gone, but getting back into the water seemed a lot more stronger. Eventually, I did get back into swimming and I was careful when I was changing.
Quote from: Nadine Spirit on July 09, 2024, 06:15:54 PMAnd then one day, after a few surgeries, suddenly I wanted to get back into the pool. I joined a local health club, and finally braved changing in the locker room. Admittedly, the first time, my wife joined me in the locker room. We both changed in the general area, without an issue. The most worrisome part is that I don't feel comfortable without something on my head. I've got a bit of hair, but not enough. Anywho, I quickly just took off my hat and put on a swim cap and that was that. It was completely uneventful.
It's good to hear that your wife supported you when you change in the locker room. After my surgery, I never had to worry about changing in the general area anymore. I tended to change mostly in the general area and sometimes privately. Our personal privacy issues and circumstances dictated how we went about things, me included. In terms of hair I have always had to wear a swimming cap as it was always long.
Quote from: Nadine Spirit on July 09, 2024, 06:15:54 PMWe did a bunch of laps and returned to the locker room. They have individual, private showers, which we used. As swimmers, what's typical is to strip, and then rinse our suits. However then became my issue, how to get back to the locker, without my suit or hair cap on. I had one towel. What to do? I covered my head by wrapping the towel around it, and walked back to my locker naked.
Your solution is genius, because what happens when a man sees a bunch of naked women accidentally? Cover your face of course that way he will not remember, who's who!
Quote from: Nadine Spirit on July 09, 2024, 06:15:54 PMI have since been back multiple times by myself and have had basically the same experience. Though I have figured things out so that I'm generally not walking fully naked around the locker room. A lifelong image of myself has finally been fulfilled and that is amazing.
I have finally got back into swimming after many years of not doing it. Life got in the way, university and boyfriends. Today, I need to sit down as I'm not able to stand for long and the ladies is not conducive for me to do that. So one adapts to ones own personal circumstances.
One last thing did you ever find out where that black line went? I never did, anyway have fun swimming and all the best.
Love and HugsSarah BOfficial Greeter@Nadine Spirit
Hi Nadine
I was writing this reply and I thought no, but the reply I did above was more appropriate. However, here I am writing a little more about swimming. Suffice to say, Us swimmers have to stick together. Honestly I do not know where to begin. Well I guess I can give you some reading material and you can click on the following link: Sarah's Passion (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,247190.msg2266599.html#msg2266599). Yes, it's about swimming.
Some of the following remarks should have been placed in "Sarah's Passion II", but I have not got around to doing a follow up. However the following, will provide a basis for that story.
Long story short, when I changed my life around I was out of the water for about a year after being in the water for 10 years twice a day except for the weekends. I just wanted to get back in the water. I eventually did and that was teaching kids with asthma in learning how to swim, swimming is very good for asthmatics, I know I'm one.
I believe my breasts were developed enough at the time and to take care of what was down stairs, I used two pairs of one piece bathers and that still worried me, but I thought I was in the water and nobody was going to be looking in that direction.
So I went ahead and taught the children. I was back in the water not training, but back in the water relishing my love of water. Fast forward and thinking I want to get back into more swimming and knowing me I did.
I did not do much training, when competition came around I would change before hand and wear two pairs of one piece bathing suits. I still had to wear a swimming cap, because my hair is very long. When the time came to change back, I had to be very careful as changing was out in the open. These days it does not matter, I still wear two bathers when I'm doing distance or fast work.
Why? One of the problems with my breasts is the left one tends to work its way out when I'm swimming competitively or training , one time I was so embarrassed, when I was just about to get out of the pool my left breast was exposed and a male member discretely said to me you need to cover it up, oh the memories are so branded in my mind, so in competition I tend to wear two pairs of bathers.
Then my swimming career fizzled out and as I have already mentioned life got in the way, yes I did do some swimming, but nowhere near as much as I used to. I'm getting back into regular swimming, with other swimmers and a coach on deck. Competition swimming? Well that remains to be seen, but I'm sure I'm heading in that direction as travelling around to different places and swimming is what I love as well.
Happy swimming and remember, "perfect practice makes perfect," as my coach used to say.
Love and Hugs
Sarah B
Official Greeter
Quote from: Nadine Spirit on July 09, 2024, 06:15:54 PMA lifelong image of myself has finally been fulfilled and that is amazing.
Nadine,
I had the same feeling when I started going to the local YMCA. Showering and changing in the women's locker room was very fulfilling. I felt like a finally achieved my lifetime desire to be seen as the woman I always knew I was.
Ellen
Quote from: Nadine Spirit on July 09, 2024, 06:15:54 PMI recently joined a health club specifically because they have a lap pool. In another life I swam for a year round travel team, from about age 8 to 16. It was a very large part of my childhood, but for obvious reasons, it always felt wrong. I hated having to use the locker room that I had to.
Throughout my transition I had often wanted to get back in the pool and swim as me, but I knew I would never feel comfortable in a women's locker room until a certain member of my party had left the building. I know that not everyone feels that way, and that's fine for them. More power to you if you don't feel that you have to deal with that thing the way I did. I just knew that I had to.
And then one day, after a few surgeries, suddenly I wanted to get back into the pool. I joined a local health club, and finally braved changing in the locker room. Admittedly, the first time, my wife joined me in the locker room. We both changed in the general area, without an issue. The most worrisome part is that I don't feel comfortable without something on my head. I've got a bit of hair, but not enough. Anywho, I quickly just took off my hat and put on a swim cap and that was that. It was completely uneventful.
We did a bunch of laps and returned to the locker room. They have individual, private showers, which we used. As swimmers, what's typical is to strip, and then rinse our suits. However then became my issue, how to get back to the locker, without my suit or hair cap on. I had one towel. What to do? I covered my head by wrapping the towel around it, and walked back to my locker naked.
I have since been back multiple times by myself and have had basically the same experience. Though I have figured things out so that I'm generally not walking fully naked around the locker room. A lifelong image of myself has finally been fulfilled and that is amazing.
This is awesome. Swimming is probably THE best exercise you can do. As a former Navy lass, I feel like it's something everyone should learn how to do. Not least for the health benefits. Since I no longer have the use of my legs, it's something I miss fiercely. I would swim 3km per session and feel SO good afterwards... I am so glad you are able to get back into it, honey. The act of swimming uses every muscle in your body if you push yourself. Not to mention when the ice caps melt... you'll probably be needed more than ever.. ;D
But sincerely, that is fantastic. And to anyone who hasn't yet taken swimming lessons, I would say please, please think about it. There is literally no downside to working out in a pool.
Also, Sarah, as an Aussie, I thought all you folks literally have a genetic template to emerge from the womb into an olympic swimming pool :D Like... most of the country is a massive desert so y'all have learned how to live around the oceans, and be the world's best swimmers.. expertly avoiding all the marine life hell bent on killing you.
Surfing while dodging lethal jellyfish should be an Olympic sport. You'd be world champions down there. ;) <3
Quote from: EllenW on July 10, 2024, 10:24:56 AMNShowering and changing in the women's locker room was very fulfilling.
For awhile many years ago I swam at the Y before work... I was post-op at the time,
I was very nervous at first ... but never had a problem. That said I always changed in front of my locker as fast as I could - The shower stall had individual curtains so I was only visibly undressed for a VERY short time.
One thing I learned is that women who have good bodies are more likely to show then off in the locker room. They were only ones that would walk around with just panties at the sinks and drying their hair etc.
I often go to a YMCA water exercise class in MPLS MN that has open showers, think high school, ie no privacy. We usually have 15 to 20 women in the class. The first time I went I told each woman I was trans and could if I could showered with them naked. I received a absolutely yes from all. Finally I am totally accepted as a female even though I have a penis and smallish tits. We shower naked, chat and tell jokes naked, rub lotion naked and, just have fun. I have never been more accepted as a women than with these women and we often go out for coffee after class. Do not be afraid of the YMCA or YWCA!
I have been a regular swimmer all my life, but I came out in 2020 at the start of Covid, so our pools were closed. I had GRS in 2021, but prior to this my genitals were so atrophied that I was flat in front anyway. My physical problem is that I am really big in my upper body and tiny around my hips, so swim outfits simply don't fit me as I am size 20 up top and size 10 on the bottom.
While I did get B cups, I could easily go to the beach topless and just look like a man with moobs. I live at the beach, and my grandkids always want me to come in the sea with them, so it was getting me down. I had to stop lap swimming due to rotator cuff damage and tendon wear from 40 years in the pool. So I had BA to improve my confidence, and bought a rash top and bikini bottom. I tentatively waded into the sea with my grandkids, and nobody stared at me!
Last year I noticed that my walking was becoming restricted, where I would walk 5 kilometres most days (to keep fit) I was having to stop and rest more and more. We looked for causes and eventually found that I have prolapsed discs, and bone growing into my spinal cord. We are still looking for answers to this, but to maintain leg muscles, my doctor told me to walk laps in the pool. I mentioned that if I was going to the pool, I would like to try swimming again, and my doctor noted that my shoulder night pain had subsided, so I could try a few laps and see if the pain came back.
So I headed off to the local pool, but I had my costume on under my clothes so I only had to remove my outer clothes before getting into the pool. No drama, but after a few laps, my right shoulder began hurting. I realised it was as I stroked a bit harder to breathe to my left, so I continued trying to breathe to my right, but then my left shoulder began to ache. I figured 300 metres was enough after a 3 year break, so I started my walking laps. I was a bit disappointed.
When I finished my session, I had to face the change room challenge, and to make it harder, a Kinder group had just finished their lessons and the ladies was full of toddlers and Mums. Our showers are seperate, and I managed to shower and get my panties, bra and top on, but I had to go out into the general change area to finish dressing. Now, 4 year olds tend to say what they think, so I braced for embarrassing questions, but none came! It all went normally and I was delighted!
I thought about it at home for a couple of days and decided next time I would take a diving mask and snorkel so I didn't have to breath to the side! It worked, I did have to have a couple of rests, but I managed 1000 metres with no shoulder pain! Of course, that night would be the real test as that is when shoulder pain is worst, but I was clear!! The change room was similar with 8 year olds this time, but no problems!
I was encouraged to buy a membership, and I go at least once a week, sometimes twice, and I swim 1000 metres (which is the agreed limit with my doc, as I used to swim 4 to 5 kilometres a session), and walk 1500 metres. Not bad for a very overweight 70 year old! Being old does lower public expectation about my appearance, but the pool now holds no fears for me, and I am back doing something I love.
Another important thing for me is being able to participate in swimming so normalises my life. When I couldn't go swimming or to the beach, I felt not really part of society, excluded because I was trans, but now I feel just like any other person.
Hugs,
Allie
I just went on a 2 day trip to West Virginia. The hotel has an indoor pool so I brought along my suit. As a postop woman I feel so much more comfortable in a womans suit than I ever did in mens shorts. Only problem was I forgot to bring the bottom portion of the suit this time, so I opted to just wear my underwear. It is a skirt type suit so nothing really showed. I have not had to brave the locker room yet!
I did not swim at a gym or change or shower in any gym's locker room.
I put my one piece on beforehand. Fortunately for me I have some very understanding people in my life who not only helped me obtain the female swimsuit, but also a swim skirt to cover up.
The delight was over the top. I later showered and changed in a private setting. I have no plans on using the female shower or locker room, as I am still non-op.
Chrissy
Quote from: Allie Jayne on November 29, 2024, 06:01:03 PMI have been a regular swimmer all my life, but I came out in 2020 at the start of Covid, so our pools were closed. I had GRS in 2021, but prior to this my genitals were so atrophied that I was flat in front anyway. My physical problem is that I am really big in my upper body and tiny around my hips, so swim outfits simply don't fit me as I am size 20 up top and size 10 on the bottom.
While I did get B cups, I could easily go to the beach topless and just look like a man with moobs. I live at the beach, and my grandkids always want me to come in the sea with them, so it was getting me down. I had to stop lap swimming due to rotator cuff damage and tendon wear from 40 years in the pool. So I had BA to improve my confidence, and bought a rash top and bikini bottom. I tentatively waded into the sea with my grandkids, and nobody stared at me!
Last year I noticed that my walking was becoming restricted, where I would walk 5 kilometres most days (to keep fit) I was having to stop and rest more and more. We looked for causes and eventually found that I have prolapsed discs, and bone growing into my spinal cord. We are still looking for answers to this, but to maintain leg muscles, my doctor told me to walk laps in the pool. I mentioned that if I was going to the pool, I would like to try swimming again, and my doctor noted that my shoulder night pain had subsided, so I could try a few laps and see if the pain came back.
So I headed off to the local pool, but I had my costume on under my clothes so I only had to remove my outer clothes before getting into the pool. No drama, but after a few laps, my right shoulder began hurting. I realised it was as I stroked a bit harder to breathe to my left, so I continued trying to breathe to my right, but then my left shoulder began to ache. I figured 300 metres was enough after a 3 year break, so I started my walking laps. I was a bit disappointed.
When I finished my session, I had to face the change room challenge, and to make it harder, a Kinder group had just finished their lessons and the ladies was full of toddlers and Mums. Our showers are seperate, and I managed to shower and get my panties, bra and top on, but I had to go out into the general change area to finish dressing. Now, 4 year olds tend to say what they think, so I braced for embarrassing questions, but none came! It all went normally and I was delighted!
I thought about it at home for a couple of days and decided next time I would take a diving mask and snorkel so I didn't have to breath to the side! It worked, I did have to have a couple of rests, but I managed 1000 metres with no shoulder pain! Of course, that night would be the real test as that is when shoulder pain is worst, but I was clear!! The change room was similar with 8 year olds this time, but no problems!
I was encouraged to buy a membership, and I go at least once a week, sometimes twice, and I swim 1000 metres (which is the agreed limit with my doc, as I used to swim 4 to 5 kilometres a session), and walk 1500 metres. Not bad for a very overweight 70 year old! Being old does lower public expectation about my appearance, but the pool now holds no fears for me, and I am back doing something I love.
Another important thing for me is being able to participate in swimming so normalises my life. When I couldn't go swimming or to the beach, I felt not really part of society, excluded because I was trans, but now I feel just like any other person.
Hugs,
Allie
I love seeing posts like this one.
Thanks for posting, Allie.
Paulie.
Quote from: DDGCDTRANS on November 29, 2024, 03:37:22 PM... even though I have a penis and smallish tits. We shower naked, chat and tell jokes naked, rub lotion naked and, just have fun.
I've been in multiple locker rooms over my life and never, not once ever, have I ever seen multiple women sitting around naked, chatting, telling jokes, or rubbing lotion on each other in a locker room. Wait, let me check with my wife, a cis born woman..... yeah, nope, same goes for her, never not once ever has either of us even seen this type of activity.
And for the record, if I was asked, yes I would have a problem with it and I would ask you to not. I mean I hated mine, and I'm not really interested in seeing yours either.
Quote from: Allie Jayne on November 29, 2024, 06:01:03 PMNot bad for a very overweight 70 year old! Being old does lower public expectation about my appearance, but the pool now holds no fears for me, and I am back doing something I love.
Um, that's not bad for just about anybody Allie! I'm glad you have been able to get over your pool fears. I too have been able to do that and it is amazing!
@Nadine Spirit @Allie Jayne @ChrissyRyan @Sarah B And so many more here
I have enjoyed reading this thread, celebrating with you your courage and accomplishment.
Especially after reading a recent article about a (transwoman?) man using a women's locker room and being conspicuous and offensive. As my wife said, trans women usually feel driven to fit in invisibly.
Regardless of whether the man is falsely claiming to be a transwoman, and regardless of how poorly the employer handled the situation, such behavior is unacceptable for anyone regardless of their gender! The person should be disciplined, not accomodated.
I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but cis men are not the only disruptions in women-only facilities. I was assaulted by women in such facilities twice.
Hi Moonflower Your wife and your thoughts on this issue are exactly what many of us surmised straight away about this particular member posting what they posted about changing rooms.
You mentioned:
Quote from: Moonflower on December 03, 2024, 04:53:19 PMEspecially after reading a recent article about a (transwoman?) man using a women's locker room and being conspicuous and offensive.
Yes what they said was offensive right from the word go. However the most poignant fact is:
Quote from: Moonflower on December 03, 2024, 04:53:19 PMAs my wife said, trans women usually feel driven to fit in invisibly.
A thousand times this, one cannot stress this more than enough. From the moment I changed my life around, this was one of the most fundamental parts of my personality and that was to 'fit in' and not stand out.
Best Wishes AlwaysSarah BGlobal Moderator@Moonflower
Quote from: Moonflower on December 03, 2024, 04:53:19 PMEspecially after reading a recent article about a (transwoman?) man using a women's locker room and being conspicuous and offensive. As my wife said, trans women usually feel driven to fit in invisibly.
Regardless of whether the man is falsely claiming to be a transwoman, and regardless of how poorly the employer handled the situation, such behavior is unacceptable for anyone regardless of their gender! The person should be disciplined, not accomodated.
We are a marginalised community, and any community conscious member should act to minimalize negative repercussions. This raises the issue of being free to act vs social responsibility. Our community is like every other, in that we have people of all sorts. I did read about a post op tans woman who was criticised as she was prominent in a change room while being naked. She argued that she was proud of her feminine body, and wanted it to be seen. My experience in women's change room is that women try to be discrete. I see young children sometimes naked in these rooms, but never adult women. Now this might just be a culture particular to where I live, but I would imagine the women in my change rooms would be critical of a cis woman parading around naked, and even more so of a trans woman.
Women feel more self conscious and vulnerable in change rooms, and this is why there is an elevated need for protections. For us to be part of this sex group, we need to respond to this heightened vulnerability and act accordingly, because if we don't, the negative reactions will affect our whole trans community.
Hugs,
Allie
This is an enlightening and thoughtful discussion. But also encouraging as most of you seem to have had positive (well not overtly negative...) experiences. I don't think I've the bravery to go to the gym yet, you only need that one person. But I'm very lucky I live at the beach. So I might try that with one of the swim skirts.