Our special TDOR edition of the Trans Sauna returns, again supported by Hackney Council. There will be the option to participate in a Grief Sauna, a guided sauna-based process to feel and express the complexities of loss, anger, fear and sadness that trans+ people face around Trans Day of Remembrance. It's also a place to feel supported through these emotions by both your community and trained facilitators, led by Saorla (they/them). A closed space for transgender, non-binary and/or gender-nonconforming people only.
We want to celebrate trans bodies in many of their shapes. An evening for warmth, care and community. There will be food, cold water barrels, hot saunas and chitchat. We are lucky to have Hackney Wick Community Saunas entirely to ourselves this Monday.
Please note, this is a non-sexual/non-cruising sauna event. The venue's nudity policy has also been updated since previous events, details under “Event etiquette” below.
We look forward to sharing this mesmerising evening with you! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
NOTE:
The Grief Sauna is a guided, 90-minute session, with strict beginning and end times so that we are able to maximise use of the space! This is different to our usual events/ the general access tickets where timings are much more lax <3 We would advise getting down to the venue early to make sure you are in your sauna-wear in time for your slot. For any questions about the specific process, please contact facilitator Saorla (they/them) on their Instagram @saorlawart
Design by Jeng Au.
There is a bar inside, run by the venue, where it will be possible to purchase warm and soft drinks.
Access
There are 6 non-gendered private changing rooms. There is an uncovered shower out in the open. Robes, towels and swimwear can be worn in the sauna but are not mandatory for this event. The sauna is outdoors. Bathrooms are indoor, and gender neutral during our events.
Safe Space Policy
Safe space rules are as follows: no racism, cis-sexism, transmisogyny, transphobia, ableism, fatphobia, or body commentary. Ask for consent before touching others. No photo policy. Please show up only when you are healthy and have no flu symptoms.
Accessibility
- Trans Sauna will take place at Hackney Wick Sauna Baths, The Baths 80, Eastway, London E9 5JH. The nearest station is Hackney Wick (step free access, 9 minute walk) The nearest bus stops are Bus stop P (Buses 236, 276, 388, N26), 30 sec walk, and bus stop Hackney Wick, 30 sec walk (Buses 236, 276, 388, N26)
- There are 7 steps into the building, and then a short walk through the cafe and down a corridor, and then 7 steps down to the sauna area. Alternatively, there is a lift access - the route will be sign posted. This route takes you to the sauna area through a set of fire doors with a small lip.
- Unfortunately none of the saunas are wheelchair accessible - the majority of them have a few steps in, with one having a sloped entrance (however a narrow door).
- The (cold) showers have three steps.
- The cold water barrels have several steps up and you lower yourself onto the seat inside.
- The outdoor individual changing areas have a small lip and then one step up. There are chairs in each cubicle.
- There is seating available outside, as well as in the separate indoor cafe area.
- The ground is a mix of astro turf and pallet wood - there is a slight lip where the pallets are placed. The ground may become wet and water logged. We recommend you wear flip flops/shoes outside.
- The Sauna area is outdoors with low level lighting (festoons and fairy lights).
- There are toilets in the cafe area, including an accessible toilet. Toilets will be gender neutral for this event.
- The event may be busy if we are sold out. One of the saunas is a dedicated quiet/meditation sauna.
- We will have catered food available to buy with vegan and gluten free options.
- The sauna area itself is a drug and alcohol free zone. You are asked not to consume alcohol or other substances in this area. Alcohol is sold at the cafe so you may come across it in that area - however it is strongly advised not to drink alcohol when using the saunas.
- Please be aware the weather may be cold or rainy - there will be a small fire for warmth outside (as well as in the saunas) but it is advisable to bring warm dry clothes with you.
- If you require any access assistance our volunteers will be happy to help - they will be wearing pink lanyards.
- Please do not attend the event if you have symptoms of Covid 19, have tested positive, or have come into close contact with someone who has. We are able to offer refunds to people who cannot attend for this reason. If you are able to, we encourage people to test before coming.
- Trans Sauna will have exclusive use of the sauna area - however, there will be other events happening in the building, so you may come across people who are not part of Trans Sauna whilst in the cafe area or on route to the toilet. A more discreet route to the toilets can be made via the lift entrance. The sauna staff present will be cis, however will have had trans awareness training.
What to bring
- sandals/ sliders/ flip flops
- swimwear (unless you plan on going naked)
- a towel to sit on in sauna
- a towel to dry off
- a padlock for lockers
- bathrobe (optional)
- sauna hat (optional)
Event etiquette
- Nudity is allowed at this particular event, but only within the saunas (due to council restrictions).
- When walking around outside, including in the plunge pools, you can be topless but must be wearing something on your lower half.
- Due to council requirements, you must wear shoes and either day clothes or a robe over your swimwear to enter the building for the cafe/ toilets. There are limited robes you can borrow to nip in, though we'd recommend bringing your own!
- This is a non-sexual/non-cruising sauna event, the venue does not have a sex license.
Sauna etiquette/ safety
- Check with everyone in the sauna before adding water - or anything else - to the coals.
- Spreading the heat with a whisk/towel/fan is allowed, but again, check with those around you.
- Make space for others to sit where possible.
- Rinse before your first cold plunge. We recommend sauna then rinse then plunge then back to sauna.
- CLOSE THE DOOR! - don't let that heat escape. Enter and leave as quickly as possible, never leave the door open.
- Do not stay in the sauna for over 15 minutes, there is no need to push yourself. If you are a first time sauna go-er, listen to your body.
- Strictly no sauna competitions.
- Nothing unusual on the coals, water is great.
- No glass bottles are allowed in the changing rooms, shower room, or the sauna itself.
- No photos, it's best to leave phones in the lockers.
The event is organised by the Trans Sauna team, who will be wearing pink key hangers while on duty. Please come talk to us if you have any questions or concerns.
Please contact us for access needs, or any questions about the event.