Turns out they've been holding those all-bodied swims in the area for years:
https://www.aldergrovestar.com/news/all-bodies-swim-at-al-anderson-pool-in-langley-city-called-off/
Addition - The organizers plan to reschedule the event
It was supposed to be an inclusive event for the LGBTQ youth community to enjoy a swim, but it's message has been twisted around on social media.
www.citynews1130.com
"According to one online account, the first official All Bodies Swim was organized in 2010 during a transgender forum in Vancouver."
This doesn't say whether it was a youth event, or one that catered to adults (as I'd expect an event held as part of a "transgender forum" to be).
"In Surrey, the first-ever “all-bodied” swim was held at Newton Wave Pool last October, organized by Youth for a Change and city staff. The private event’s tagline was “All Genders, All Sexualities, No Judgment.”
"Surrey’s manager of parks, recreation and culture Laurie Cavan told Black Press Media the event was for youth
ages 15 to 21 and featured accessible, gender-inclusive change rooms and washrooms. Two more “Youth All-Bodies Pool Party” events are planned in 2019, however the dates are not yet finalized."
Were I a parent, I still wouldn't want my 15-year-old attend a swim event from which I was specifically excluded, but which allowed other
adults--even if they were no older than 21--as participants. Were parents excluded from last year's event? It doesn't say.
But they were definitely excluded from
this year's event, and the age range was widened at both ends--from 12 to 24.
What the hell? Do they honestly believe that
nobody who is under 25 (and obviously having deep psychological issues surrounding their sexuality, but we can't mention that) could possibly be a sexual predator? Or that because they've declared themselves trans/enby/genderqueer (because remember, self-declaration is all that's needed), it's all good, and my 12-year-old kid's going to be totally safe?
Haha, fuck no.
And here's one thing I can say from experience: when you're a young teenager being harassed at the pool, and being pressured by older kids into doing something you don't want to do, having a trusted adult you already know around, who will act as backup, makes a huge difference. Being able to say, "I have to check in with my mom," or, "My friend's mom is watching us, and she's giving us funny looks," is an easy escape from an uncomfortable situation--especially if you and that adult have discussed that possibility ahead of time. Or an adult who can recognize when you are uncomfortable, and perhaps even distressed (because, unlike the organizers or lifeguards on duty, they actually know you), from across the pool, and go over to intervene.
JFC, this whole thing is just such a shitty, stupid idea, to the point of being delusional.
Were the event open to
all 12- to 24-year-olds--if it was not being touted as an inclusive, accepting special event for trans/enby/genderqueer teens and young adults, but for
anybody in that age range--there's no way the city would have agreed to it. The insanity of it, and the obvious problems and dangers it posed, would have been considered completely fucking obvious. But hey, given that any kid with a serious interest in this event is well on their way to being permanently ruined by hormones and surgery in the name of being "woke" and "affirming," and that the adults who approve of this event are okay with
that?
Fucking Clown World, man...