Back to SearchBE U Swim program launches at City pools, providing safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for Kitchener’s trans and non-binary community
To ensure all members of the Kitchener community feel safe accessing City pools, the City of Kitchener is launching BE U Swim, a new program that provides dedicated swim times for trans and non-binary individuals, as well as their friends, allies and family members to use City pools in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
“It’s important that all members of our community have the opportunity to access pools without barriers related to gender identity or expression,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “It’s fitting that we’re launching BE U Swim during Pride Month, as it represents meaningful action taken by the City to address barriers and support 2SLGBTQ+ community members and their families.”
The City will launch the BE U Swim program at Lyle Hallman and Cameron Heights pools beginning on June 22. The new program offers lane and leisure swims for trans and non-binary community members that are 18+ as well as their friends, families, and allies. Open swim times for all ages are also available. Going forward, the City will look to add future dates as part of its regularly scheduled aquatics programming.
“The idea behind the new program came directly from a member of Kitchener’s trans community,” said Elin Moorlag Silk, interim director of Equity, Anti-Racism and Indigenous Initiatives. “Adding the BE U Swim program to our regularly scheduled programming at City of Kitchener pools is one way the City can affirm, support and stand in solidarity with 2SLGBTQ+ communities and meet the needs of those who identify as trans and non-binary in our own community.”
City staff engaged with members of the trans and non-binary community to design the program and develop the swim schedule. For added privacy and comfort of participants, other programming will not take place while the BE U Swim Program is underway. Changerooms at Cameron Heights and Lyle Hallman pools will be accessible to everyone, and all swim attire is acceptable. Ahead of the program launch, aquatics staff will receive 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion training to support the ongoing delivery of the program.
To participate, register online through ActiveNet. To ensure cost is not a barrier, supports are available through the City’s Leisure Access Assistance Program. To apply online, visit www.kitchener.ca/feeassistance
To view the BE U Swim schedule, and learn more about the program, visit www.kitchener.ca/BEUSwim
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