Transgender Community

as a trans-male (post top-surgery) how would you feel if a female bodied person asked you to wear a shirt in the swimming pool as a show of solidarity with women who are bound by sexist laws that keep them covered up?

I am being asked to do this as a show of solidarity at a national conference i attend. i feel very put on the spot by the request because i want to be a good ally but not at the cost of increasing body shame and despair. for maab folks who swim and haven't changed their presentation, i think wearing a shirt in the pool could help them "feel" and understand what an encumbrance it is to have to wear a suit on top. and maybe their consciousness can be changed. but for myself, i already know! i've been there as a swimsuit wearer and then as a swim-shirt and t-shirt wearer. i have chosen many a time not to go swimming because i had no readily available, safe, comfortable means of being in the pool. now that i have had surgery, i want to enjoy my new freedom! and i know that freedom comes with a cost, both physical and monetary and I am aware of the new privilege i experience because of this. and i know being an ally requires some sacrifice and discomfort....but i feel that placing that discomfort on my body is not the way to go.

i will think of other things I can do to be a good ally to women....but i feel that i need to draw the line here....around my own physical safety and well being.


does this sound reasonable?