Trans Awareness in Athletics & Recreation: November 2022

Building an inclusive community

We know that sport spaces and communities have a long history of being unwelcoming to and unsafe for 2SLGBTQ members of our community, and especially trans folks (see 'Unsafe Spaces' in Egale's Every Class in Every School report (external link) ). In an effort to build a more welcoming community, our staff is trained in 2SLGBTQ inclusive principles, and all gender change spaces and programs are available.

While we are committed to making all programs and spaces safe and inclusive year-round, we know making time and space in combination with active community outreach can help break down barriers.

In partnership with Positive Space, we invite you to participate in the programs highlighted below, one part of the broader Trans Awareness Month events happening this November.

Programs and resources offered

• Looking for an ally?
• Free Trial Membership
• Trans + Gender Diverse Swims
• Trans & Allies Group Fitness Classes
• Inclusive & Accessible Change Spaces

Looking for an ally?
If you have questions or concerns about joining our community, navigating new spaces and programs, and would like to connect with an ally prior, please contact our Director of Recreation, Equity & Active Wellbeing, Andrew Pettit, at andrew.pettit@torontomu.ca or 416-970-5000 x7132. 

Free Trial membership
A chance to try a new sport, recreation and wellness community before you commit to a membership is an opportunity welcomed by many. Given past experiences of violence and harassment in spaces like ours, we know this can be especially true for 2SLGBTQ and specifically trans folks.

In honour of Trans Awareness Month, we're excited to invite you - and everyone, of all gender identities and expressions - to take advantage of a free trial membership throughout November 2022.

• Guests are asked to visit one of our service desks in the RAC or MAC to complete a waiver before entering. 
• All gender changerooms are available thanks to advocacy work by the TMSU Trans Collective.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at recreation@torontomu.ca to start your free trial membership.

Toronto Met undergraduate and graduate students: Your membership is included in your tuition fees - you can reserve your workout slot now!

Trans + gender diverse swims
The RAC pool reopened in September and our trans + gender diverse swim is a part of the regularly weekly schedule. Anyone committed to creating a positive space for trans folks is welcome!

• Weekly Swims: Wednesday @ 1:30-2:30 p.m. - check the pool schedule for details. 

Special thanks to Positive Space, the TMSU Trans Collective (external link)  and the Non-Binary Colour Collective (external link)  for their advocacy and partnership in bringing this important swim program to life in 2019.

Trans and allies group fitness classes

All members of our community who are committed to creating a positive space for trans folks are welcome to join these low-barrier and friendly group fitness classes as part of Trans Awareness Month. All of our instructors are trained in 2SLGBTQ inclusive principles and are ready to welcome you!

Of course, all of our instructors are trained, thoughtful, kind professionals who work hard to ensure each and every class is safe and welcoming. See the entire range of classes and view class descriptions on our Group Fitness Schedule.

Inclusive and accessible change spaces
In keeping with TMU's broader efforts to create safe and accessible washroom spaces for trans and gender diverse members of our community, we respect everyone's right to choose the change space and washroom that is appropriate for them. In addition to our traditional women's and men's spaces, the following options are available to all members of our community.

• Listing of incusive and accessible change spaces at RAC and MAC

Special thanks to the TMSU's Trans Collective (external link)  for their advocacy in making our spaces and programs more inclusive.

Beyond Trans Awareness Month
November is an important month to recognize, support and celebrate trans communities, but we're here for and committed to making you - and everyone - feel welcome and safe all year long.

If you have questions or concerns about any of our programs or facilities, or extending any of the special offers above beyond one visit or the month of November, please contact our Director, Recreation, Equity & Active Wellbeing, Andrew Pettit, at andrew.pettit@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5000 x557132.