Canada Journal – News of the World Articles and videos to bring you the biggest Canadian news stories from across the country every day
Changing into a bathing suit can be hard enough for people who feel they belong in the men’s or women’s change rooms, let alone for transgender people who can experience discrimination or violence for being different.
In an effort to make sure everyone feels safe and welcome in Vancouver recreation facilities, the city hosted its first transgender-friendly drop-in swim session at Templeton Park Pool on Sunday afternoon.
Stuart MacKinnon with the Vancouver Park Board says Templeton Park Pool‘s sessions are the first step toward doing that.
“The trans-inclusive public swim is open to everyone. It’s designed specifically to create a safe and supportive and respectful environment for trans people,” MacKinnon explains. “The goal is to get as many people in Vancouver feeling comfortable about using our parks and recreation services so in additional to the universal signage for single stall washroom and change rooms, the Park Board has trained staff to better serve trans and gender variant patrons.”
Some transgendered people have expressed concern about stresses they face in terms of using public washrooms.
There will be a noon to 2 p.m. session Sunday and that will happen every Sunday until March.
Agencies/Canadajournal
