Govanhill Baths will always be committed to being anti-racist and standing in solidarity with anti-racists here and internationally, and in challenging racism, prejudice and bigotry. Our history and traditions are informed by bringing people together to advance change, to challenge injustice and to oppose racism and discrimination – and supporting others in doing so.

Govanhill Baths has a long record of being at the centre of the community it serves, supports and works with. We have through the decades been proud to reflect the rich diversity and multi-cultural character of Govanhill: an area often called Glasgow’s Ellis Island. As the first port of sanctuary and settlement for people coming to this city from all over the world looking for refuge and a better life, Govanhill has a reputation for inclusivity and welcoming incomers.

Across those years the people of Govanhill and those associated with the Baths have stood in solidarity with those who opposed anti-Irish prejudice in the 1920s and 1930s, with anti-fascist campaigners in the 1930s and 1940s, anti-racism activists in the 1970s and 1980s, and with the Roma community who came to the area in the past two decades.

Since 2001 Govanhill Baths has evolved through the initial ‘Save Our Pool’ campaign into a community-run hub and centre for local regeneration, creativity and culture, and health and wellbeing. In all the work we do we aim to put anti-racism and support for diversity and multi-culturalism at the core of what we do – the difference we try to make and the values we embody.

In this spirit and tradition Govanhill Baths supports unequivocally Black Lives Matter: its campaign, cause and principles. This is both an international inspiration, and one relevant to the UK, Scotland, Glasgow and Govanhill. Black Lives Matter has to be embedded in what we do and what we demand of others in putting anti-racism and black and ethnic minority people at the centre of our services and work, listening and respecting people who face discrimination and racism daily and structurally, and working to challenge those attitudes and systems.

Govanhill Baths commits to continuing to work to put such values at the heart of all we do, to work in solidarity with others, and to continually assess and re-evaluate all of our work to make the maximum difference. The tradition of Govanhill International Festival and Carnival to take one example is now in its fourth year, and has platformed our commitment to diversity, anti-racism, celebrating multi-culturalism, and aiding the many different voices of our community find a platform and respect.
Govanhill Baths stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. We believe we can live in a world without racism and racial inequality, and invite others to be part of that world with us.

Black Lives Matter