Ripples of Change

The sun is out, and many are heading to their local pools, but not everyone feels comfortable there. The reason is simple, discrimination. In the past year, we have seen a wave of positive changes addressing issues relating to diversity and inclusion but there is still much to be done.

I recently moved to a new neighborhood with a community pool. As the weather warmed, I was excited, yet hesitant, about visiting the pool. You see, as a queer person, I have learned that not everyone is welcome at community pools. As a white, feminine woman in the South, for most of my life, I have visited pools without a second thought as to how I would be treated other than some unwanted attention from older men as a child. When I came out as a lesbian seven years ago, my blinders were removed.

My then-girlfriend and I frequented the pool at the apartment complex I lived in and quickly we were pulled aside by management as there had been complaints regarding our “public displays of affection” at the pool because there were kids around. I was shocked, we were not overly demonstrative with our affection, in fact, numerous heterosexual couples were far more affectionate than us at the pool, yet no one complained about them and the exposure to kids of their affectionate behavior.

This was the beginning of my exposure to discrimination at the pool but not the end. Since then, I have seen signs regarding swimwear allowed, which excludes those who dress more modestly for swimming due to religious reasons. I have seen minorities receive complaints regarding their volume or music choice, while white groups displaying similar behavior receive no complaints. Most recently, I witnessed a group of teen minorities feeling harassed as they were questioned and the police were called regarding their entrance to the pool with guests, while a white group of teens who had also entered with guests who were not questioned regarding their rights to be there.

The problem is clear, public and community pools have a discrimination problem. The solution is less clear. There are those that will bemoan that the younger generation is too sensitive and needs to toughen up and this is “just the way things are”. However, studies show that diversity and inclusion make us smarter, enhance happiness, and promote well-being. We all have something to gain by addressing discrimination and creating more inclusive environments.

The thing is, most of us do not have the power to implement change on a large scale, so what can we do about a systemic problem? We can work towards small changes within our reach and hope for a ripple effect.

Reach out to your local pool management, city council, HOA boards, etc., and ask that they look at their pool policies for areas needing improvement, as well as their diversity and inclusion training for pool staff. This is how real change occurs, individuals creating movement in small ways all over; eventually, the ripples will turn into waves.