A Melbourne council has announced an after-hours “swim night” event for transgender and gender diverse swimmers next month.
The City of Darebin said the event at Reservoir Leisure Reserve north of Melbourne would be closed to the public to give transgender and gender diverse swimmers the chance for a “stress-free” swim.
“To create a safe and welcoming environment, the event is only open to trans and gender-diverse people and their friends, partners and families,” community development director Katrina Knox said.
“Council has a long and proud history of supporting and celebrating diversity.
“We intend to continue to be leaders in this space, with the help and advice of the people who live and work in Darebin — who come up with great ideas like this one.”
The council said the cost of the February 24 event would be a $3 entry fee.
Darebin Councillor Stephanie Amir said the event was for transgender and gender-diverse people who don’t feel comfortable going to a public pool.
I'm really excited to announce that Darebin City Council will be the first council in Victoria to offer a trans and gender diverse community swim night at Reservoir Leisure Centre! Please share far and wide with your networks. @CityofDarebin #reservoir #darebin #darebinpride pic.twitter.com/tIMs9kJERM
— Cr Susanne Newton ?? (@susannenewton) January 23, 2018
Very proud to have been involved in initiating this! Lots of trans and gender diverse people don’t feel safe going to the pool, so this is a chance for them to have a stress-free swim. https://t.co/WdD4yEvjOF
— Steph Amir (@stephanie_amir) January 23, 2018
— Steph Amir (@stephanie_amir) January 24, 2018
A spokesperson for Victoria’s Equality Minister Martin Foley said the government applauded the council for trying to “include all Victorians in their public facilities”.
“This event will build confidence in our trans, gender diverse and intersex community – and put a stop to the isolation they so often feel,” he said.
“We want to end the discriminatory behaviours these communities face.”
