Ladies’ Pond in Hampstead Heath is engulfed in trans row after men who identify as women are allowed to swim there… as a feminist activist is expelled for criticising the choice
The famous ladies’ pond in Hampstead Heath is once again embroiled in a bitter row over men identifying as women being allowed to swim there.
A feminist activist, Venice Allan, has become the first woman to be expelled from a historical society representing the users of the north London pond after objecting to the entry of biological males.
The 48-year-old was told in an email from the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association (KLPA) last week that her membership had been revoked because of her views.
She was told she had “deliberately acted against the interests of the KLPA” by making a speech at the annual general meeting in March, criticizing the decision to reject a motion allowing only biological women to consent would give to use the ladies pond.
A feminist activist, Venice Allan (pictured), has become the first woman to be expelled from a historical society representing North London pond users after objecting to the entry of biological males
The 48-year-old was told in an email from the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association (KLPA) last week that her membership had been revoked because of her views
Speaking at the AGM, Ms Allan warned members: ‘When the inevitable happens as a result of your trans-inclusive policies, which the majority of women, and, I am told, two men, voted for today, and a man you’ When it comes to assaulting or raping a girl, I want you to remember that’s what you voted for.
“I hope you wake up in the middle of the night and remember that you enabled that act of male violence in a sacred female space.”
The KLPA is a voluntary organization of women who ‘care’ for Hampstead’s ladies’ pond and represent the views of its users to the City of London Corporation, which is responsible for running the beauty salon.
Ms Allan, who has been swimming in the pond for more than 20 years, told the Mail on Sunday: ‘I have not been banned from the pond but the ban means I can no longer vote on the rules.
Women pictured at the women’s swimming pond in Hampstead Heath (File image)
‘More importantly, banning me sends the message – just one year before we celebrate the 100th anniversary of this iconic women’s space – that women who object to men using the pool are not welcome .’
Ms Allan said she was given seven days to appeal or her annual membership fee would be donated to the Royal National Lifeguard Institution.
The row over the ladies’ pool dates back to 2017, when the Mail on Sunday revealed that the City of London Corporation had agreed to allow trans women access to the pool and female changing rooms.
In 2019, the local government adopted an official policy allowing transgender swimmers to use the pond – used by household names such as actress Helena Bonham Carter, comedian Rhona Cameron and novelist Esther Freud – despite objections from women who said they felt ‘unsafe’ as swimmers . result.
The KLPA was contacted for comment.