They have “been subjected to trans-identifying men being naked in the changing area and showers” and experienced “trans-identifying men taking photographs of women and girls and trans-identifying men topless in the meadow, both of which are not permitted”.
Other women have complained about “trans-identifying men staring at women and girls in the showers and changing facilities”; and “felt violated in what they considered was a women-only safe space”.
The fact that there's a mixed bathing pond puts the lie to any excuse about these men going where they feel comfortable. They're going there to make the women feel uncomfortable. And for a bit of ogling. All you need is a wig, as the Beatles didn't quite say.
One pond user, who wishes to remain anonymous, complained: “I was showering outside after my swim, when a big man with a long wig and a long coat came walking down the path to the pond area.
“This man came and lingered in the restricted area between the outdoor showers and the fence, where my towel was draped. He stood there turned at an angle, looking at me and evidently wanting me to know that he was looking at me.
“I was trapped, because I was naked, and my towel was on the fence behind him.”
In 2019, the pond changed its rules to allow trans women – that is biological men – to use the facilities, claiming it was required under the Equality Act.
When the change was being discussed, Charles Lord, from the City of London Corporation, said: “It shouldn’t be controversial. It shouldn’t be a debate. Trans women are women, trans men are men.”
Idiot.
Even after the Supreme Court judgment, the Corporation put out a statement indicating it would not change its policy, saying: “Any unlawful discrimination will not be tolerated. Our gender identity policy is designed to ensure our services are welcoming to everyone, including all who use the bathing ponds.”
Trans women have been allowed to use the pond since the judgment, even though the signs say “women only” and “no men beyond this point”.
The changing hut at the ladies’ pond contains open communal showers and an open changing area.
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