Women can now swim topless in Berlin’s public pools: A step towards gender equality and cultural tradition

In a move that has sparked both celebration and debate, Berlin has officially allowed women to swim topless in its public pools, marking a significant shift in the city’s approach to gender equality and public spaces.

As of March 2023, women and non-binary individuals can now enjoy the same freedom as men to go topless while swimming in Berlin’s public pools, both indoors and outdoors.

This policy change, hailed by activists as a victory for gender equity, comes after years of advocacy and a specific incident that highlighted the outdated double standards in place.

The catalyst for this change was a discrimination complaint filed by Lotte Mies, a 33-year-old Berliner who was barred from entering the Kaulsdorf indoor pool in December 2022 for swimming topless.

Despite having received prior email permission from the pool’s management, Mies was told by a lifeguard that she needed to cover her chest.

Frustrated by the inconsistency and the perceived sexism, Mies took her case to Berlin’s ombudsman’s office at the Senate Department for Justice, Diversity and Anti-Discrimination.

The authorities agreed that the incident was a clear case of discrimination, leading to a review of the city’s bathing regulations.

Previously, Berlin’s public pool rules required women to cover their chests, while men were allowed to swim topless without restriction.

This disparity was seen by many as a form of structural sexism, reinforcing the sexualization of women’s bodies and limiting their freedom of choice.

The new policy, now explicitly stated in the bathing regulations, allows all visitors to swim topless as long as their genitals are covered.

This change applies to all of Berlin’s public pools, ensuring consistency across the city’s 50+ facilities.

The decision has been welcomed by activists and some residents as a long-overdue step towards equality.

Dr. Doris Liebscher, head of Berlin’s ombudsman’s office, described it as “a significant step forward for gender equality, creating equal rights and legal certainty for our staff and visitors alike”.

However, not everyone is convinced of its practical impact. Ida, a local Berliner, expressed skepticism, saying, “It’s a good move, but I doubt many women will actually swim topless, especially in more conservative areas like Pankow.”

This policy shift is not just about swimming attire; it reflects Germany’s broader cultural acceptance of nudity, rooted in the country’s long tradition of Freikörperkultur (FKK), or free body culture.

FKK, which began in the late 19th century, promotes nudity as a way to connect with nature, improve health, and challenge societal norms.

Germany has over 300 private nudist clubs and numerous public spaces where nudity is common, including beaches and parks.

Berlin itself has a history of embracing this culture, with the Berlin School of Nudism hosting the first international nudity congress in the early 20th century.

Although FKK was banned during the Nazi era, it regained popularity after World War II, particularly in East Germany.

Berlin’s decision also follows a precedent set by other German cities. In May 2022, Göttingen in Lower Saxony became the first city in Germany to permanently allow women to swim topless in public pools.

This change came after a similar incident where a male-identifying swimmer was turned away, prompting a reevaluation of the city’s policies.

Göttingen’s move was initially tested during a trial period before being made permanent, setting the stage for Berlin’s own policy shift.

The reaction to Berlin’s new rule has been mixed. While some see it as a progressive step towards dismantling gender norms, others question its necessity or practicality.

Critics argue that it may not significantly change behavior, given that many women may still choose to wear tops for comfort or cultural reasons.

However, supporters argue that the policy is about choice and equality, not compulsion.

Lotte Mies, whose complaint sparked the change, emphasized the importance of personal freedom: “It’s about having the option to decide for yourself, without being judged or restricted”.

This policy change has also drawn international attention, with many viewing it as a bold move towards gender equality and body positivity.

The topic has resonated globally, especially in discussions about women’s rights, public spaces, and cultural norms.

Germany’s relaxed attitude towards nudity, often surprising to tourists, has long been a point of curiosity and sometimes controversy.

As one commentator noted, “Germany’s nudist culture is refreshing, but it can also challenge visitors’ expectations”.

The decision also highlights the ongoing conversation about gender identity and public spaces.

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Similar incident reported in 2021, when French woman Gabrielle Lebreton was ordered to leave a Berlin water park for refusing to cover her chest.

Lebreton sought compensation, arguing the rule was discriminatory. Her case, along with Mies’, underscores the broader push for inclusive policies that recognize diverse gender identities.

Berlin’s new policy is not without its challenges. Pool staff will need to enforce the rules consistently while respecting visitors’ choices.

There may also be concerns about how this change will be received in more conservative districts or among certain demographics.

However, the city’s leadership has emphasized that the goal is to create a more equitable and welcoming environment for all.

As Berlin continues to position itself as a progressive capital, this policy change sets a precedent for other cities and countries to consider.

It challenges traditional norms and encourages a society where individuals have greater autonomy over their bodies.

Whether this will inspire similar changes elsewhere remains to be seen, but for now, Berlin’s public pools are at the forefront of a global conversation about gender, equality, and freedom.