The famous women’s pond on Hampstead Heath is once again embroiled in a bitter dispute because men who identify as women are allowed to swim there.
Feminist activist Venice Allan has become the first woman to be banned from a landmark association representing users of the north London pond after she objected to biological males being allowed entry.
Last week, the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association (KLPA) told the 48-year-old in an email that her membership had been revoked due to her views.
He was told he had “deliberately acted against the interests” of the KLPA by making a speech at its Annual General Meeting in March in which he criticized a decision to reject a motion that would only allow biological females to use the women’s pond.
Feminist activist Venice Allan (pictured) has become the first woman to be banned from a landmark association representing north London pond users after objecting to men being allowed entry biological.
Last week, the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association (KLPA) told the 48-year-old in an email that her membership had been revoked due to her views.
Speaking at the AGM, Ms Allan warned members: “When the inevitable happens as a result of your trans-inclusive policy of the majority of women and, I am told, two men, voting today, and a man for you.” If you are so inclusive about attacking or raping a girl, I want you to remember that you voted for that.
“I hope you wake up in the middle of the night and remember that you made that act of male violence possible in women’s sacred space.”
The KLPA is a voluntary organization of women who ‘care’ about Hampstead Women’s Pond and represent the views of its users to the City of London Corporation, which is in charge of managing the beautiful place.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Mrs Allan, who has been swimming in the pond for more than two decades, said: “I am not banned from the pond, but the ban means I can no longer vote on any of the rules.” .
Women photographed in the women’s bathing pond on Hampstead Heath (File Image)
“Most importantly, banning me sends the message, just a year before we celebrate 100 years of this iconic women’s space, that women who object to men using the pool are not welcome.”
Allan said he was given seven days to appeal or his annual membership fee would be donated to the Royal National Lifeguard Institution.
The dispute over the women’s pool dates back to 2017, when the Mail on Sunday revealed that the City of London Corporation had agreed to allow trans women to use the pool and women’s changing rooms.
In 2019, the local authority adopted an official policy allowing transgender swimmers to use the pond – used by famous names such as actress Helena Bonham Carter, comedian Rhona Cameron and novelist Esther Freud – despite objections from women who They said they felt “unsafe” as a result.
The KLPA was contacted for comment.