Brave Spaces: How the Stratford YMCA Transformed Its Changerooms for Inclusion and Belonging

Written By: Keristen, Samuel and Teddy

At the Stratford YMCA, change is more than a renovation—it’s a reflection of evolving community values and a commitment to dignity, safety, and inclusion. In 2024, the Stratford Y undertook a meaningful transformation: converting traditional boys’ and girls’ changerooms into all-gender, family-style spaces. This shift was not only a physical renovation but also a cultural one—one that has reshaped the way members of all ages experience the YMCA.

Recognizing the Need for Change

The initial push for change came from staff who had heard years of feedback from members and families. With only four changeroom spaces—men’s 18+, women’s 18+, boys, and girls, the existing layout presented several challenges:

• Gender-diverse individuals didn’t have a safe, affirming place to change.

• Parents and guardians with children of a different gender struggled to navigate the binary structure.

• Support workers assisting clients of a different gender lacked appropriate accommodations.

“I worked at the front desk for two years,” one staff member shared, “and I constantly heard confusion and discomfort from members about the changerooms. It became clear the traditional setup didn’t work for everyone.”

While the Stratford building is older and came with structural limitations, the team knew that renovations were possible, and necessary.

A Thoughtful and Collaborative Process

Staff from the Stratford YMCA, supported by JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity & Equity) leaders, began with a careful review process. They assessed similar renovations at other YMCA of Three Rivers locations, particularly the Chaplin YMCA, and adapted a changeroom evaluation tool to assess the Stratford facilities.

This tool focused on six key areas:

• Privacy

• Safety

• Signage

• Convenience

• Usability

• Sense of Belonging

The goal was simple but profound: to create changeroom options that allowed individuals to choose the space that best met their needs, without making assumptions about their gender identity. The team then designed a plan to renovate the three gendered changerooms that didn’t yet offer private change and shower stalls (the women’s 18+ space already did). Signage was replaced—not with gender markers, but with clear information about each space’s features, such as the number of private stalls or shower types.

A Culture of Autonomy and Respect

These changes empowered members to make informed choices. Whether someone was supporting a child, a client, or simply seeking privacy, they now had options. Crucially, the renovations addressed deeper needs than convenience, they tackled the feelings of anxiety and exclusion that many had previously experienced.

“Our goal was to reduce the stress of choosing a changeroom, and to foster a sense of safety, dignity, and autonomy,” said a staff member involved in the project. The benefits quickly became apparent—not only for members but for staff and youth programming.

Youth Perspectives: Privacy, Learning, and Belonging

For many youth involved in YMCA programs, the idea of universal changerooms was initially met with hesitation. Concerns like “peeping” were raised, which, while sounding humorous, reflected a serious need for privacy and boundaries.

Rather than dismiss these concerns, Youth Engagement Leaders used them as opportunities to educate. “We started conversations about consent, privacy, how doors offer more security than curtains, and why respect in shared spaces matters,” shared Teddy, a youth program leader. “We talked about not throwing clothes over partitions, not towel-whipping—just basic etiquette. And youth responded. They adjusted. They taught each other.”

Over time, a powerful shift occurred. Youth began to model the very values the changerooms were built on. When new participants stood uncertain in the hallway between the changerooms, existing youth would step up and say, “You can go anywhere,” or “This is where our friends go.”

The sense of belonging extended beyond logistics. For LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse youth, the changerooms became a place where they didn’t have to explain themselves or make uncomfortable disclosures. They could simply choose the space where they felt most at ease.

Teddy added, “This change means no one is assigned to a space they don’t feel comfortable in. And it’s not just about 2SLGBTQ+ youth. It’s for shy kids, new kids, kids who want to be with friends of different genders. Everyone benefits when we create inclusive spaces.”

Staff Impact: Creating Brave Spaces

The changeroom transformation also had a deep personal impact on staff—especially those who identify as gender-diverse.

“For me, as a genderqueer staff member, this has been huge,” one staff shared. “Before, I had to justify my presence in one changeroom or another. Now I can supervise both, hand out towels, be present—without having to explain my identity every time. It’s given me a sense of belonging at work.”

The project was described by Stratford’s Operational Manager, Jay Colquhoun, as “brave”—a sentiment echoed by the team. It took courage to challenge long-standing norms, to navigate uncertainty, and to lead with empathy. But as Teddy puts it, “This change made me feel brave too. Brave enough to show up for youth, to advocate, to lead. It’s full circle.”

The Ongoing Impact

The renovation of the Stratford YMCA’s changerooms is not just a completed project—it’s a living, evolving change. It continues through daily conversations, peer education, and the quiet empowerment of each person who steps into a space where they are respected and seen.

It sends a message: everyone is welcome here.

Whether you’re a parent with a child, a teen figuring out who they are, a support worker, or a long-time YMCA member, you have a place at the Stratford Y. As the organization continues to align with its core values of community, respect, and inclusion, the changeroom renovation stands as a powerful example of what it means to listen, learn, and grow together.