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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Hampstead Heath Women's Pond

281 replies

Gacapa · 31/12/2017 11:37

Hampstead Heath ladies say swimming pond is not gender fluid

dailym.ai/2El0eLA

Here we go...

OP posts:
whoputthecatout · 31/12/2017 18:18

As there is a choice of men's, mixed or women's pools it's pretty clear that this is simply yet another validation move. (Or they simply like pissing off women, which I believe, is quite a male characteristic).

Ohyesiam · 31/12/2017 18:23

It's not for rich white women. I went there all summer as a student nurse.

Tollygunge · 31/12/2017 18:27

I haven’t read this thread but Swimming naked there was one of the great pleasures when I first moved to London. There is a mixed pond and a gents only.

Tollygunge · 31/12/2017 18:28

And it’s not for rich white women only!

Batfurger · 31/12/2017 18:31

So angry.

You know what, I’m a rich white woman and I’ve never been there. Don’t want to go. Think swimming in a pond is bizarre.

This however is a hill I would fucking die on so tell me who I can give some money to to stop this fucking male entitlement in its tracks.

Seriously. A barrister or someone.

I’m raging at this latest instalment of male fucking cuntishness after a “festive season” of more men killing women. This has pissed me the fuck off.

Deep breathing exercises. ***

Tollygunge · 31/12/2017 18:52

IM also raging about this!

nauticant · 31/12/2017 18:54

This was discussed in the newspaper review part of Broadcasting House on Radio 4 this morning. The reviewing panel was Helen Pidd (North of England editor of the Guardian) and two blokes.

Helen Pidd said that since these transwomen had been through Hell and had had to make enormous sacrifices then it would be very mean for them not to get their way. The host, Paddy O'Connell, mentioned that according to Julie Bindel, the transwomen could well be self-IDing intact men, and then asked the two blokes to comment. Both effectively said "this is too complicated for me to comment on, I'm saying nothing". I have never heard media types invited on a media show to comment then to say that they'd prefer not to when it was their turn.

Hidingtonothing · 31/12/2017 18:55

fantastic post.

CunningOperative · 31/12/2017 19:27

Aww, if we are doing a mass mumsnet swim at the men's pond I'm certainly in. Grin
We don't even have to wear trunks I guess, regular swimming costume will do because we only 'started the process'.

splendide · 31/12/2017 19:36

I swam there loads one year when I was a poor student. Amazing place, this makes me really sad.

Gacapa · 31/12/2017 20:27

I've never been. But I read about it a few years ago and thought it was such a brilliant sounding place. Almost enchanting. It's been a sanctuary for women, for all kinds of reasons, for such a long time.

I thought about it recently and just knew it was only a matter of time.

I feel the usual outrage and anger at yet another space being ruined. But also incredibly sad. Misery is being heaped upon us. A national disgrace.

I'm not rich, by any means. But I'd be willing to starve if needs be, to get to London and be part of some kind of protest.

OP posts:
guardianfree · 31/12/2017 20:27

Here you are @Batfurger
This website is devoted to challenging what is happening. This is an excellent summary of what has happened this year - and they have a donation.

www.transgendertrend.com/2017-round-up-happy-new-year

BlackBetha · 31/12/2017 20:46

I am in London and would happily protest this too. I have zero interest in outdoor swimming (not in a chilly pond in the UK anyway, nothing would induce me to strip off and jump in there!) but women's spaces deserve protecting whether I personally want to use them or not.

CertainHalfDesertedStreets · 31/12/2017 21:18

I'm in the men's pond in my bikini as a protest in a heartbeat.

In June though right?

DoctorTwo · 31/12/2017 22:00

you know what I think would help? A group of male TERFs just dressing up in bikinis and going to the women's pond - obviously having forewarned users in advance. The press and public might actually take notice of that. If you could get say 20 men to go and say "well I've started the process" then the press would ask "what does that mean" and it would get attention.

I'd be up for that, even if it means showing off my skinny body, it'd be a great way to not only protest, but show solidarity and hopefully make people laugh.

irretating · 31/12/2017 22:01

I'm in the men's pond in my bikini as a protest in a heartbeat.

This should happen, we should make this happen.

QuentinSummers · 31/12/2017 22:10

Could do both. Femme non binary AFAB feeling like a man that day use the men's. Butch non binary AMAB feeling like a woman that day use the womens.
I think we should wear the apparel of the gender identity we associate with that day.
Would be great fun and make a point (we need men TERFS to help though!)

Bloodybridget · 31/12/2017 22:39

The women's pond is a wonderful place where we can lie topless on the lawns without being ogled by men and boys. Women of all ages and body shapes go to swim and sunbath and socialise. It's outrageous to allow any bloke who says he's transitioning to go there.

VivaLeBeaver · 31/12/2017 22:55

I’d be up for a swim in the men’s pond wearing bikini bottoms only!

Backingvocals · 31/12/2017 23:04

This gives the lie to the whole thing I think. This is about auto erotic validation for men. These men are safe in the men’s pool (it’s fairly liberal shall we say ....). They are also safe in the mixed pool. But that doesn’t give them the erotic thrill of masquerading as a woman among women.

irretating · 31/12/2017 23:16

Would be great fun and make a point (we need men TERFS to help though!)

The husband is up for it.

EliseC1965 · 31/12/2017 23:43

I’d be up for it. Celebrate the June equinox in the Men’s pond. Lol.

EliseC1965 · 31/12/2017 23:44

*but my bikini days are long gone 😂

TheXXFactor · 01/01/2018 00:08

Love the idea of the bikini protest. In the meantime, can we please all email the City of London Corporation to protest - www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/contact-us/Pages/contact-us-form.aspx?contact=1

Questions to ask might include: what impact assessment have they done of the effect on Muslim & orthodox Jewish women? Who are they defining as women? Etc etc

TimbuktuTimbuktu · 01/01/2018 09:03

Done thank you @TheXXFactor