How to Navigate Hot Springs as an LGBTQ+ Person
Hot springs in Stanley, Idaho
As I continue to exist in rainy, cold England, I find myself thinking a lot about hot springs. It could be the low temperature in my flat talking, but I think hot springs are possibly one of the best things that exist in the world. What could be better than soaking in a hot pool of water in the middle of nature? At the moment, I can’t think of anything. So, let’s talk about hot springs and how to navigate them as an LGBTQ+ person.
Being LGBTQ+ at hot springs
Being an LGBTQ+ person at a hot spring often requires some extra thought and consideration. The simple nature of being in a hot spring makes you a bit vulnerable, and you certainly don’t want to be dealing with unwelcome stares or harassment of any kind while you’re trying to relax and enjoy yourself.
LGBTQ+ folx who identify differently will obviously have different concerns. For example, trans men might worry about whether it’s safe for them to go shirtless in the hot springs. Trans women might wonder if it’s safe to wear a swimsuit that aligns with their gender identity. Gender nonconforming or non-binary folx might have stress around what to wear in general. Queer couples might worry about attracting unwanted attention from fellow soakers or nearby hikers.
The real priority has to be your own comfort. What makes you feel good and comfortable? What makes you feel safe?
One good question to ask yourself is, are you comfortable with other people being naked? It’s quite common for people to skinny dip in hot springs, and I have to say I have encountered naked men at a good percentage of hot springs I’ve visited. And yes, it does make me uncomfortable, at least at first. You have to trust your gut!
When thinking about what I will wear or how I will behave at a hot spring (or just in general), I try to ask myself: Am I worried about this because I’m concerned about my own safety and wellbeing, or am I concerned about making someone else uncomfortable? And sometimes, these are one in the same.
Safety considerations for LGBTQ+ people at hot springs
Natural hot springs in Utah
While 99% of the hot springs experiences I’ve had have been positive and have felt totally safe, there are a few outliers, and this has led me to think about safety precautions that can be taken to put my mind at ease when I’m out at a hot spring.
If you’re looking for the same, consider the following: Where is the hot spring you’re visiting? What are the politics of the area? Many of my hot spring experiences have been in Idaho, which is quite a conservative state. Is it tourist season and will it be busy? Are you alone or with other people? What time of day is it?
Some of the best hot springs are in quite rural locations, so it’s always a good idea to go with a friend or partner if you can, and to let someone know where you’re going, just to be safe. You never know who you’re going to encounter when you’re all sitting in your swimsuits (or not) in a hot pool of water.
Takeaways
The point is, it’s good to think about what you are and aren’t comfortable with ahead of time, to think about how you might handle uncomfortable situations if they do arise, and to take precautions.
It’s unfortunate that we even have to think about these things as LGBTQ+ people, but for now we do, and here we are. We’re still outside, we’re still enjoying nature, and we still love a good hot spring. So for every minute you spend worrying about if people will stare at you or make you uncomfortable, spend double that amount of time scouting out amazing hot springs, planning trips, and above all, enjoying a lovely soak.
How have your hot springs experiences been as an LGBTQ+ person? Leave a note in the comments!