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Original poster

Why single sex spaces

235 replies

DorsVenabili · 13/10/2021 23:11

the debate about single sex space re trans rights has made me question the basis for single sex spaces in general (and not just in this context) - more philosophically. There doesn't seem much discussion in the various acts as to why they are needed.
I think my question is what do we feel more comfortable being naked in front of people of the same sex- is this nature or nurture/society. I don't think its to do with sexuality as a woman ( and as a girl)- i don't feel more comfortable with homosexual men than I would with lesbians

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 13/10/2021 23:51

My DD at 10 finds single sex spaces a lot better and instinctually, I think, includes her lesbian BF in this. It's not about sex (shagging) it's about sex (female).

I mean for naked/biology functions. Periods, showering etc. she is happy to be around/talk about with girls but not boys.

Personally it's about safety. But privacy, dignity and community are also important.

toomanytrees · 13/10/2021 23:50

How does one tell the difference between a homosexual man and a straight man?

Hathertonhariden · 13/10/2021 23:49

Victims of male violence and women of faith both need space away from men when in a state of undress. Failure to provide single sex spaces prevents these women from living a full life.

Unreasonabubble · 13/10/2021 23:42

OP but where would you be sharing your body with homosexual men or lesbians? Are you talking about changing rooms? I don't think I have ever seen an argument from homosexual men who want to share women's changing rooms or lesbians insisting that they use Men's changing rooms.

I think we are all much more comfortable, hidden in our little cubicles, with no one to view our bodies to be honest.

If I had to use a "unisex" changing room, I would be worried in case someone pulled open my curtain, tried to come in etc etc. Women just do not have the same strength as Men physically if a man wanted to force their attentions on them.

334bu · 13/10/2021 23:41

Why? Easy answer , men and any person born male.

yourhairiswinterfire · 13/10/2021 23:35

Sorry, accidentally posted too soon, didn't mean to just dump a link!

I think my question is what do we feel more comfortable being naked in front of people of the same sex- is this nature or nurture/society

Women committing sex crimes is rare. And in the unlikely event a woman tried to sexually assault me in a changing room or wherever, I think I'd have a much better chance at fighting her off than I would if it was a man.

OhHolyJesus · 13/10/2021 23:26

For the historical perspective from a broadcaster that occasionally knows what a woman is.

www.bbc.com/news/world-41999792

CiaoForDiNiaoSaur · 13/10/2021 23:23

I've never been raped by a woman. Or sexually assaulted (I'm aware women can't rape in UK law)
I've been raped and sexually assaulted by men.

if a woman tried to attack me I'd stand a good chance of fighting her off as we would most likely be a similar size.
A man? Not so much. He's likely to be bigger and stronger than me.

And I think there is an element of nurture. We've largely grown up in a world with sex segregated spaces so we've been taught that's 'normal'

Angrysaurus · 13/10/2021 23:19

Women commit less than 1% of sexual crimes.

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