New Vancouver YWCA policy limits nudity in open showers
Posted October 25, 2023 8:33 pm.
Last Updated October 25, 2023 8:58 pm.
Vancouver’s downtown YWCA is taking steps it says will help increase inclusion, with a new policy that limits nudity in open-concept shower areas.
The fitness centre says this comes from clients requesting more privacy and shower stalls and is part of the YWCA’s approach to making everyone feel comfortable, no matter what gender they identify as.
The policy applies to both the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Minimal attire — like a bathing suit — is now required in all open-concept areas.
“We wanted to make sure that we have a facility that’s inclusive for all, where people feel comfortable, where they feel that they can come in to be able to start their journey on wellness, and so it was just an evolution of how we’ve been using the space,” Director of Fitness Sandy Reimer explained.
The signage outside of the open and closed showers now reads, “Out of courtesy for all users, please use our individual stalls on the first or second floor to take a private and unclothed shower.”
Reimer says the shift to be more progressive began with renovations to allow private areas like the aforementioned shower stalls, and this policy is building on that.
“We have a very diverse clientele, different generations, we have different religions, so we want to make sure that we’re meeting everyone’s needs,” she said.
Members at the YWCA tell CityNews they don’t have much of a problem with the policy change.
“It’s a personal choice, you know, and I don’t mind either way. But I usually go in a private stall,” Louise Dudley.
“It’s a different world now, and I think we’d better accept everybody.”
“I’ve never seen anybody naked in those open showers,” Hamish Chrystan added. “I don’t think it matters one way or the other.”
Reimer says other gyms in the city that have already adopted similar policies in an effort to be more inclusive were consulted before the YWCA followed suit.
