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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Communal Changing Rooms

41 replies

badgeroncaffeine · 21/06/2013 18:55

In my area there is a big controversy raging about the proposed installment of communal changing rooms in a leisure centre. It's on the TV now.
The woman in this article is leading the objections and seems a bit nuts to me.
Now am I right in thinking that although a bit of sex takes place in such facilities (allegedly), they are preferable on the whole?

OP posts:
maddening · 21/06/2013 19:40

Why are they preferable?

badgeroncaffeine · 21/06/2013 19:42

If you take a look at the link, the comments at the bottom explain a lot of the points.

OP posts:
gordyslovesheep · 21/06/2013 19:43

they aren't communal - they are unisex - a bit different

Ilovesunflowers · 21/06/2013 19:43

I hate them but I can see why they are easier for parents who have their children with them.

badgeroncaffeine · 21/06/2013 19:45

OK gordy...UNISEX for the avoidance of doubt. I think everyone knows what was meant, but just in case! Hmm

OP posts:
OccasionalTherapy · 21/06/2013 19:45

Ha!! young people pulling off towels as some of the ?problems that could occur?

Definitely on a par with Jimmy Hmm

poorbuthappy · 21/06/2013 19:46

Unisex cubicles and communal changing rooms are 2 very different things.
I have 3 girls. Unisex cubicles means dh can take at least 1 with him.
We don't go swimming anywhere with male/female changing rooms.

ChairmanWow · 21/06/2013 19:47

I prefer them. The single sex changing room at my old gym were full of women walking round with their minges hanging out, and nowhere for the less exhibitionist types to hide their wobbly bits whilst changing. Give me unisex cubicles any day.

PrettyKitty1986 · 21/06/2013 19:49

There are unisex changing rooms at my local pool. It is so much easier when we all go swimming than having to take a child each into separate areas (or dp attempting to slope off to the men's and leave me with a 3 and 5 year old to sort out alone lol)

I can understand why some may not like the idea...but saying it's because of the Jimmy Saville sandal? Really?!?

I also hate the guilt trip she tries to pull - 'who would hold their hands up if something went wrong and say I'm to blame?' Do Fuck off! How ridiculous.

CloudsAndTrees · 21/06/2013 19:49

I didn't know what you meant, I thought you were talking about a big open plan changing room that would be open to everyone.

Clearly, I'm being thick though.

I can't see the problem with unisex cubicles though. That's the point of cubicles, they provide privacy!

I wouldn't fancy the idea of unisex toilets though.

badguider · 21/06/2013 19:50

Communal means everybody gets naked together - like in most private gyms. Boys are not welcome in the ladies.

Unisex changing rooms with cubicles are a TOTALLY different thing.

wankerchief · 21/06/2013 19:50

She comes across as mad and incredibly sexist.

Our two local pools both have big unisex changing rooms and loos. Ive been hoing to one 5 times a week for 10 years and have never seen puddles of piss from men who cant aim, had my towel whipped off by a boy or seen strangers genitals.

DirtyBlonde · 21/06/2013 19:51

Sex in changing rooms?!?

I must go to the wrong pools.

Communal/family changing is a very good idea. A few cubicles for those who want privacy, and everyon'e requirements are taken care of.

Steben · 21/06/2013 19:53

I don't mind and agree with the poster who mentioned her DDs - similar situation for me.

However I do find it a bit weird to be in the showers etc - with other men walking round and someone was (I am pretty sure) WANKING in the cubicle next to me once - but I was child free so not as bad as it could have been.

IgnatiusSprat · 21/06/2013 19:55

Id like to know why they're preferable too. And I can't be arsed to read comments on the bottom of your link to find out. Its a pain on my crappy phone. Why bother starting the thread if you can't be bothered to respond when someone asks you to justify your opinion?

gordyslovesheep · 21/06/2013 19:56

blimey you're charming op

I have no issue with walking around in my pants in front of other women - not so keen on men having to witness my fat ass though

while I don't see it as a peedow emerguncy I do think it's a bit much

WafflyVersatile · 21/06/2013 19:59

Maybe the woman heading up the campaign thinks they will be communal as well as unisex and that's why she is up in arms?

I don't think a few cubicles is enough, dirty. I think a lot of people would be uncomfortable with unisex communal changing.

badgeroncaffeine · 21/06/2013 20:00

gordy...I've made it clear I meant unisex changing rooms...with cubicles. Please forgive me my error!

OP posts:
MrsHofstader · 21/06/2013 20:02

I don't like the idea of communal changing but unisex cubicles sound great.

gordyslovesheep · 21/06/2013 20:03

okay then Hmm

you seem very cross OP - maybe you need to take a deep breath and have a wine - seriously I have no idea why you are so offended by my posts

badgeroncaffeine · 21/06/2013 20:04

gordy I made a mistake and corrected that mistake, get over it.

OP posts:
SauvignonBlanche · 21/06/2013 20:06

Maybe reduce the caffeine OP? Hmm

badgeroncaffeine · 21/06/2013 20:07

hahahaha...you're so funny!

OP posts:
Szeli · 21/06/2013 20:08

Communal makes it far easier when we take the wee one swimming...

TSSDNCOP · 21/06/2013 20:18

If there's a door on my cubicle I don't see the problem. It's no different to the Family changing room at my gym.

I can't see people having their "hands in the air" as the article woman says as surely that will mean their towels fall down?

On a serious note I would think a potential paedophile will be very deterred by trying it on under the beady eye of a bunch of mothers. I wouldn't rate his life chances very highly.