Safe Space Swimming
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The plan for the refurbished building is based on extensive consultations with the people of Govanhill. A key finding was that the lack of segregated swimming (e.g. for women or minority groups) is a real barrier to people being able to swim. We will therefore have segregated swimming and other events as a core part of our activity plan. Here are some examples of what will be on offer:
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Weekly women-only swimming sessions, swimming lessons, and water aerobics
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Women-only spa nights, for women to try swimming, yoga, the Turkish Suite, and meditation
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Swimming lessons by and for minority groups
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Men-only activities, to provide a social space which does not revolve around the sale of alcohol
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In addition, there is a real lack of local facilities which offer LGBTQIA+-only exercise. This bias towards straight spaces can be a real barrier to people who wish to access fitness facilities. We will therefore be offering LGBTQIA+ swimming and other activities, in order to provide a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people to socialise and take part in exercise. At Govanhill Baths we do everything by- and for the community, so any classes for LGBTQIA+ groups will be led by people from within that community.
We hope that all of these plans will be a step towards making the baths a resource for everyone in the local community. We are always open to new ideas as well, so get in touch if you would like to suggest an activity!
“muslim_sports_big” by Foxtongue is licensed with CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
LGBTQIA flag courtesy of qz.com