June brings Pride, pools, and for some, anxiety.

As Pride celebrations fill the Coachella Valley throughout the summer, we also see an increase in pool parties and events centered around water, connection, and community. But for many trans and gender expansive people, these spaces can come with anxiety, fear, and vulnerability. 

What about the transmasc person who hasn’t had top surgery and may be uncomfortable being shirtless with only trans tape on? What about a transmasc person who has had top surgery but worries about how others may react to their scars? What about a transfemme person who wants to wear a bikini in public but fears judgment for simply existing as themselves? 

These are real and constant thoughts many trans people experience whenever bathing suits and bodies of water are involved, me included. 

The first time I felt truly confident and comfortable being shirtless with just trans tape on was at one of our Trans & Gender Expansive Pool Parties. The Center rents a local swim center exclusively for our T&GE community, creating a space where people can show up exactly as they are, sometimes for the very first time. 

To kick off Pride Month, we hosted another one of these pool parties on May 31 where we had 25 attendees all together under the umbrella of being gender expansive. One transfemme attendee shared that it was her first time ever wearing a bikini in public. We watched three transmasc people, all post-top surgery and strangers to one another, connect through conversations about their scars and journeys. And once again, I got to show up in a way that felt authentic and comfortable for me, shirtless with trans tape, which in turn helps create space for other transmasc people to feel comfortable doing the same. 

For those who are not trans, nonbinary, or gender expansive, I encourage you to think about the pool parties and summer spaces you’ll be attending this season. Consider how you can help create an environment where trans people feel seen, welcomed, safe, and affirmed exactly as they are. And if you are unsure of how to best create these welcoming spaces, we at The Center are here to help. Happy Pride to All.