Top without in the outdoor pool: women experiment with new freedom

Top without in the outdoor pool: women experiment with new freedom

In many German cities, women are now allowed to bathe up to the upper body, but reality looks different. While it is legally allowed, social acceptance is still a challenge. Our author goes on a personal trip to the outdoor pool to explore the mood and experiences of the women at the "top without".

In bright sunshine and 26 degrees, she enters the Humboldthain Sommerbad in Berlin-Wedding. Despite the warm temperatures, there is a clear difference: While men bathing in abundance for no top, women are in the clear outnumber. On an ordinary Wednesday at 4 p.m. Few women use the opportunity to relax in the heat without a bikini top.

new regulation by a brave woman

The interest in this topic was awakened with the case of a woman who wanted to swim freely in the indoor pool in Berlin-Kaulsdorf in December 2022. After a confrontation with the supervisory staff, which she asked for cover, she was expelled from the bath. This led to an official complaint at the Ombudsman for Anti -Discrimination of the State of Berlin. Their courage led to a new regulation: the Berlin bathing companies made it clear that "swimming is" above without 'for all people ".

Your example inspired not only Berlin, but also other cities such as Göttingen, Cologne and Munich, similar regulations. The opening for a feminist swimming practice represents a significant step towards equality, even if the implementation remains behind the legal requirements.

a feeling of uncertainty and goosebumps

When the author finally decides to explore the swimming pool, her thoughts are a change of feelings. The desire to feel free is overshadowed by the fear of being harassed. They have their experiences in the past, including unpleasant moments and the oppressive look of men, with every step.

It is not the first time that it is in such a vulnerable position. During her studies, she already had a humiliating incident to which she thinks back with discomfort. These memories reinforce their nervousness. Accordingly, she is looking for a quiet place in the outdoor pool, far away from the testing eyes of strange men.

But when she finally lies down, she is surprised: Most of the surrounding people do not pay attention to her the attention she feared in the first looks. After initial tension, she finds that her fears are unfounded. It feels liberating, even if the inner restlessness does not let you go.

The fear of attacks is real, and a survey shows that more men (71 percent) than women (45 percent) support a cross-gender “top without” swimming. However, the concern for possible sexual harassment remains a major obstacle for many women. A pure sunbathing is overshadowed by these concerns.

The Berlin bathing companies report the fact that little has changed in the behavior of female guests since the introduction of the new regulation. The majority continue to choose classic swimwear. The idea of swimming in the water with confidence without "swimming in the water remains an unreachable dream for many women.

The author makes another spicy observation: Even when walking to the toilet, which means the change from "top without" to "top", she has the experience that it is not easy for women. On the way there, she sees as two women with bewilderment for modern bathing beings show that, regardless of potential exposure, they simply feel comfortable. The feeling of not being alone brings a little relief.

All of these impressions illustrate that legal decisions are progress, social acceptance and personal well -being are still challenging. As long as social norms and individual fears exist, swimming -free swimming remains a question of courage and social environment for many women.