By Isabel Pancake
Since Thursday, topless women have also been expressly permitted at the Berliner Bäder-Betriebe (BBB)!
There was never a real ban: The house rules of the baths only mention “commercial swimwear” – but not that men have to wear swimming trunks and women bikinis. At least that’s how the Berliner and trained lifeguard Lotte Mies (33) sees it.
Lotte Mies (33) from Hellersdorf wants free breasts for everyone – and was successful with her complaint to the State Office for Equal Treatment Photo: Christian Lohse
So last December she bought a pair of swimming trunks in the men’s department and swims bare-breasted in the Kaulsdorf swimming pool. And triggers a police operation!
“The police officer asked me what gender I identify with. When I said ‘female’, it meant that I had to wear a top,” said the 33-year-old to BZ
Michael Henschel (80), pensioner from Pankow: “I go nudist swimming myself on the Baltic Sea, so it doesn’t bother me. But there are definitely people who can’t think of swimming when they see it.” Photo: Christian Lohse
Mies feels discriminated against, says: “If I’m not in the mood to wear a bikini top, my freedom is restricted.” She therefore turns to the ombudsman’s office of the State Office for Equal Treatment – against discrimination.
Thomas Schneller (45), doctor from Friedrichshain: “I also go swimming topless. That’s why I think it’s okay” Photo: Christian Lohse
The result on Thursday: “After the discrimination complaint has been dealt with again, topless swimming should also be possible for female people or for people with a breast read as a woman,” the Judicial Senate announced. This not only applies when sunbathing in the outdoor pool, but also in indoor swimming pools!
Bibi K. (39), gastro employee from Steglitz: “I would prefer it if there were certain swimming pools where this is allowed and others where it is not allowed. Personally, I would definitely not go swimming topless. My children (8 and 12) would also be uncomfortable. I’d rather go with them to a bath where it’s not allowed.” Photo: Christian Lohse
The bathing companies have now pointed out to their staff that women can also decide for themselves whether they want to cover their breasts or not. Everyone is free to choose their clothes. “Men can of course wear a bikini if they think it’s nice,” says Claudia Blankennagel (53) from the BBB to BZ. The ombudsman adds: “But the primary genitals must be covered.”
Katharina Mittler (25), sports student from Mitte: “That’s equal rights for everyone! We don’t have to be sexualized just because we’re women. I would also go topless in an indoor pool myself. I don’t have a problem with that, I’m generally quite permissive.” Photo: Christian Lohse
Mies is now examining whether she, like Frenchwoman Gabrielle Lebreton, who sunbathed topless on the Treptow water playground, should file a lawsuit against the state of Berlin for discrimination.