Trans Awareness Month in Athletics & Recreation: November 2024
Inclusion in sport and physical activity matters
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) ).
Importantly, we also know that sport, physical activity and affirming environments - independent of gender identity - have significant well-being, educational, and social benefits (external link) .
Building an Inclusive Community
In an effort to build a more welcoming community, our staff are 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 at TMU, we invite you to participate in the programs highlighted below, one part of the broader Trans Awareness Month events happening this November.
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 trans, non-binary and others from 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
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 2024.
- Guests are asked to visit one of our service desks in the RAC or MAC to complete a waiver before entering.
- Gender-inclusive 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 - just tap your OneCard to enter!
Our Trans + Gender-Diverse swim is a part of the regularly weekly schedule. Anyone committed to creating a positive space for trans and gender-diverse folks is welcome.
Weekly swims currently take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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.
Group Fitness programming is available to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and aims to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible, however in an efffor to take more intentional steps to invite this community into our programming we have two classes being offered and identified as RAINBOW DANCE PARTY & RAINBOW RIDE + CORE + STRETCH to help those in the community better identify these opportunities.
To help ensure maximum comfort and welcome, these classes are being taught by two very proud members of the 2SLBTQIA+ community and two excellent instructors. These classes are open to anyone who is committed to creating a positive inclusive space for our 2SLBTQIA+ community.
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.
Special thanks to the TMSU's Trans Collective 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.