I attended a local Trans Pride Pool Party event in downtown Pittsburgh on August 6. Our local Meetup group had two of us in attendance, organizer Lynn and me. While the event was low-key, I enjoyed the sun and company of Lynn even if the overall turnout was not strong.
They held the event at the Bloomfield city pool in Pittsburgh, tucked in the middle of an established neighborhood, and it was clean and inviting. All the staff were friendly and respectful. Soon after I arrived, the local Meetup group facilitator, Lynn of PA (here on this site), pulled up and we met under the shade of the only small tree. I already felt the sun’s rays, and I hoped this would not be a short outing. My skin hasn’t seen significant sun exposure for at least 2-3 years.
We moved over to a grassy area on the far side of the pool, where most of the patrons and places to lie out were available. I put on so much sunscreen, I couldn’t tell if my skin was glistening from it or my perspiration, or both. The temperature wasn’t too extreme, close to 90 F, but early August is still a high sun angle, so I felt it affecting my skin after just several minutes, so I draped my pink, sheer drape over my legs and feet.
About a half hour in, some friendly but heavy-looking clouds rolled in, and I had a reprieve from the baking sunshine. A cool breeze signaled a rain shower was about to move in, which was very welcome to me–at first. Initially, the rain was refreshing and cooling, but as it got a little steadier, it got cooler than we liked, plus our stuff was getting soaked.
We took shelter in the Ladies’ locker room for a few minutes as the shower passed. They did not make us feel unwelcome, even though there were genetic women and moms with their young girls there as well. Everyone just stood and waited for several minutes. Thank goodness there was no lightning or thunder!
The event was low-key. There were no banners or signs to direct people to the parking area or the pool entrance. Inside the fence, there were no tables or any Trans Pride organizers that we saw or met. There were eventually several trans women and men there, as well as a few people that had a flag or beach towel with bisexual colors. But people who did not already know each other tended not to mingle, and that was fine.
But we both thought it strange that it seemed like any other summer weekend day at the pool. It was never at all crowded–most of the time there; the lifeguards outnumbered the patrons. So that was a bit of a letdown. I had looked forward to meeting new trans people and allies.
This outing was a big “win” and a first for me in multiple ways: my first time out in public in any ladies’ swimwear, my first time wearing ladies’ swimwear with no shapewear or body hair to camouflage, and my first city-sanctioned Trans Pride event. (I could not go to the Pride march in June). I was a little self-conscious at first, especially when there were so few people there.
But there were no side glances or double takes, no comments, just everyone enjoying the sun and water. You can do this, too, if you just choose to step out in confidence! The world is not sitting in judgment of people different from them, despite all the negative headlines and online posts about the hatred the conservative right puts out. Everyone else just wants to live and let live, in my experience.
I must admit, being 5′-7″ and slight-built, I may have a bit of an advantage, but millions of CDs and TG people taller, bigger, and less feminine than I are living their lives authentically. Of course, never put your safety, your livelihood, or your marriage at risk, but do some little things to boost your confidence regularly. Life is too short to live it in fear!!
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Brielle
Latest posts by Brielle (see all)
- My First Year as a Woman - June 11, 2023
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- Pittsburgh Trans Pride Swim Party - August 22, 2022
Hi Brielle, Thank you for sharing your story! You look so pretty, too! I’d absolutely love to attend a trans pool or beach party. Although I love the beauty and calm of beach, most beaches are not particularly trans friendly. In New England, Provincetown and Ogunquit are the friendliest beach towns, and I’m hoping to drive up to Ogunquit this weekend. Sadly, not all beach communities are as accepting, and I’m too early on my journey to “pass". It’s so deeply tragic that we have to worry about our safety and self-confidence just to enjoy ourselves doing something that cisgender… Read more »
Hello
Swimming is not always an easy option for trans people, particularly a trans woman like me who has not had any bodily alterations. Here in the NE of England, I enjoyed last week an hour’s swimming in a local pool, organised by an LGBT+ organisation who paid £141 to hire it. The time was marvellously freeing, yet it is sad that such an event need be organised at all. We would not feel confident in going there during normal time. The last thing I want is to be outed and abused in the women’s changing room by an outraged transphobic… Read more »
Thanks for the reply! I agree – I don’t think I would be comfortable going to a public pool like that without a special occasion. I didn’t go into the water mainly because of my wig and not wanting to risk getting badly sunburned if the sunblock washed off.
I have a private pool at my apartments and intend to use it and socialize next year.
Hugs,
Brie
I must say, Brielle, you look marvelous. You look so happy!
Thanks, Lee! I was and am.
Brielle, You look awesome. Each time you get out it builds up the confidence. I am also 5′ 6″. It does help to blend in, but I have seen taller people do a better job than I. I have been fun time female for over a year now and it has had it’s challenging times. But they do not out weigh the joy and happiness that has come from being free. Every day is new and fresh, something I never had before. I have learned so much about myself and really what I can do if only I can set… Read more »
Thank you, Shiloh!
Hi Brielle, You look gorgeous! And yes, being shorter and not on the large side does have it’s benefits for a trans woman. I am only 5’6″, lost an inch somewhere over the years. I’ve been living as Lauren now for almost 6 months and still feel a bit like I’m stepping on a stage each morning when I get on the bus. I mentioned this to Cindy Grace a couple months ago and she asked me to send her a picture of myself. She said, “Lauren, you’d better get used to people staring at you, you’re gorgeous!" So we… Read more »
Thanks Lauren! Glad things continue to be well with you!!