2-Spirit, Trans and Non-Binary Swim: May Long Weekend

This event takes place on unceded and unsurrendered W̱SÁNEĆ territories
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Please join us for another 2-Spirit, Trans And Non-Binary Swim!

These swims follow a legacy of similar events hosted by community organizations such as Alt Pride, though this will be the fourth of these official swims hosted in partnership with Saanich Aquatics, the LGBTQ2+ Hang Out and various community participants. The first swim in February had almost 30 people in attendance, and we are hopeful and excited for an even stronger turn out this time around! ♥

This is a private event open to anyone in the community who identifies as 2-Spirit, trans, non-binary and/or otherwise gender diverse, as well as their friends and family (all ages welcome!). The facility will only be in use by community members attending the swim at this time.

All community members attending the swim will be made explicitly aware of the purpose of the event and will be subject to a community safer spaces agreement while in attendance.

Lifeguard staff have completed trans inclusion training. Additionally, Safer Spaces staff representing Saanich’s LGBTQ2+ youth programming will be on site to address concerns, receive feedback and work with those in attendance to create an inclusive atmosphere

There will be 2 group change rooms and 6 individual change rooms available for use by people of any gender

This is a body-positive event and is inclusive of multiple swimwear/clothing options, as well as people who are generally marginalized in public swimming environments because of their size, scarring, etc. If you have questions about attire at the swim, please feel free to reach out!

Some general swimwear guidelines:
– Tops are optional for all those in attendance
– Bottoms must be covered
– “Cut offs” or clothing with dangling strings are not allowed as they clog the pool filters
– Clothing that is very loose or heavy can make swimming dangerous

Regular drop-in rates will apply but payment assistance is available to those in need. Please don’t hesitate to ask ♥

If you need to access this swim for free, ask for a RAINBOW PASS from our Safer Spaces staff, who will be seated at a table near the admissions desk at the rec center ♥

The funds for these Rainbow Passes were raised at a fundraising event hosted in partnership with the 2-Spirit, Queer and Trans Youth Drop-in and Sugar Castle. Many thanks to them for the support!

Fees are as follows:
– Adult: $6.50
– Student (with ID): $5.50
– Youth (13-18 yrs): $4.50
– Senior (60 yrs+): $5.50

More info on drop-in rates here: http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/parks-recreation-culture/facilities-schedules-fees/access_passes_fees.html

Social space will also be made available for community members who want to attend but do not want to swim. Also feel free to use the sauna or steam room even if you don’t feel like swimming!

Gordon Head Rec is accessible by the 27, 28 and 39 bus routes. Bus tickets will be available!

Details about accessibility at Gordon Head Rec can be found here:
http://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/parks-recreation-culture/facilities-schedules-fees/facilities/gordon-head-recreation-centre.html#accessible

Please reach out if you have any questions about accessibility or other needs we can accommodate!

There will be an opportunity for giving feedback and involvement in future swims made available to all those interested

The organizers would like to thank Queers Get Wet and the individual community members who participated in consultation to make this event as fun and accessible as possible! We would also like to acknowledge Alt Pride’s history of holding inclusive swims in the space and identifying gender-inclusive swims as an important community-building resource. It is our hope that we can work together to make these swims a recurring event for the community.