Hello, new to posting on these boards but do read threads at times. I could do with a bit of (gentle) advice please as to how to handle my situation.
I've had a really tough time the last 2 years looking after other family members. As a treat they have contributed for me to go on a 'Women's Woodland Retreat' at a well known and upmarket Retreat Centre near me. It was somthing I said I would really like to do after reading about it last year.
The retreat centre runs a lot of different retreats. This one is run specifically for women, attendees sleep in individual bell tents in a small area within the grounds of the retreat centre. There is a compost loo and a shower in the courtyard of the main building.
I read the info several times and I may be mistaken, but I saw no mention of who could attend and who it was open to. I'm sure I would have noticed. I booked last year and paid my deposit ready for this June.
I looked at the info on it again the other day (same web page) and it now says 'This retreat is for all women (as self-intentified) aged 18 and above.
I have no issue with trans women being on the retreat - I would expect it to be open to them. What worries me is the 'self identified' wording. Surely this can mean that any man can self-id as a way of getting into a women only space and the retreat centre can't say no!?
I emailed the center last week asking if the wording had been changed, but have heard nothing back from them.
I wanted to go to a safe, women's space. I am lesbian and it just feels more comfortable for me - especially as this is in tents and not in a building where you can shut yourself away in your room.
I'm thinking I'm going to cancel - I don't want to worry about something that should be a treat. And this isnn't a cheap thing - especially at the moment, the cost is a big deal for me and for my family.
Am I over-thinking this?