Single sex sessions, Harrogate Turkish baths

[Itwasjustresting]

Nudity will be banned at single sex sessions in order to be more inclusive.

“A separate report said while there has been an increase in mixed-sex sessions over the last year, there was "concern" around access for those of varying gender categories including transgender, gender dysphoria and transsexual.

"This is due to the potential access to single sex sessions by someone of technically the opposite sex, especially to those sessions where swimwear is optional," the report said.

Now, I may have read this wrong, but if someone “technically” of the opposite sex has accessed a single-sex session, surely it has stopped being single-sex?

www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/politics/council/harrogate-turkish-baths-set-to-u-turn-on-move-to-mixed-sex-sessions-only-3204075

I don’t want to be in an enclosed space with men, whether clothed or not. However I have been known to be naked on a beach with both men and women. I used to go to Harrogate and it was indeed a special experience in the women only sessions. I would now not go. So much for inclusivity..

@Thecatonthemat same applies for the Ladies Pond in Hampstead, London. You won't get me swimming in open water but those who go there that I know welcome the women-only experience and not having to engage in conversation with men trying their luck. Both of them are in long-term relationships and very attractive and so otherwise would be pestered by men.

The trouble is newnorthener that the ladies phone is no longer women only because women’s voices were ignored by the City of London. Wouldn’t go there now either, though it was a. happy haunt when I was younger.

Making the wearing of swimwear compulsory at all single-sex sessions will also promote inclusivity, allow the council to meet its equality obligations under the Equality Act and alleviate staffing issues during single-sex sessions."

I really don't understand this. What equality obligations are being met by making people wear swimwear?

This close down of women only spaces has really saddened me, (not only but also...) because of how exclusive it is. Swimwear will not help women from religious backgrounds.

When all this madness ends, how will we claim back these spaces? I hope Harrogate stands up and votes for GC councillors who might revert back to some single sex sessions.

Whilst I am not a habitual nudist the requirement to wear a swimming costume at single sex sessions seems sad to me

I can recall, many years ago, my Dsis and I visited a traditional spa in an Eastern European country and (to our horror at the time) were informed it was strictly no costumes. Well we decided 'when in Rome' and duly stripped off and I can say it was a really lovely experience. There were women of all ages and body types who were just totally comfortable and relaxed and I found it quite inspiring. There were families mother, daughter, granddaughter and friendship groups of all ages and no-one was gawking or hiding away. They were just comfortable and after a little while so were we.
Being in a safe space away from the male gaze with other women just being themselves was an experience I'd almost never had. It was a lovely unique atmosphere and I honestly thought that if this was something I had been brought up with it would have helped me a lot with my struggles with my body image.

I guess you can't have that now. Any kind of penis, female or not, would definitely have ruined the vibe.

Oh my Lord, I thought the heading said 'lessons'!

I'll cancel my train ticket.