Women’s Only and Gender Inclusive Programming at UBC Rec

By Jonah on July 15, 2025

All are Welcome!

UBC Recreation is committed to creating inclusive, accessible, and respectful experiences for all individuals. As part of this commitment, we offer women-only programming to provide safe, welcoming, and empowering spaces for women to engage in physical activity and recreation.

We recognize that factors such as physical or mental ability, level of health or wellbeing, physical size or fitness level; sexual orientation, gender identity or expression; and racial, ethnic, or cultural identity should never be barriers to participation. Creating spaces where individuals feel seen, respected, and supported is essential to fostering inclusion. We understand that comfort and empowerment can look different for everyone, which is why we offer a range of programs to meet diverse needs.

Our women-only and gender inclusive programs are designed to support those who may feel more comfortable or empowered in gender-specific environments, including cis and trans women, as well as non-binary individuals who feel these spaces are right for them.

Aquatics

Fitness

Intramurals

Physical Activity

Thunderbirds Sport Clubs

Drop-in 2STNB Persons Swim 

Every Friday evening from 8:15-9:30pm 

This swim session is dedicated to individuals who identify as Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary, regardless of age or swimming ability. Both the Competition 50m and Leisure pool are available during this session, offering a variety of options for lane swimming and open swim. Blinds are lowered on the south side of the building, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

 

Women (Trans Women Welcome) & 2STNB Fitness Hours  

Students are encouraged to visit the ARC Fitness Centre during special Women (Trans Women Welcome) & Two-Spirit, Trans, Non-Binary (2STNB) fitness hours, where they can enjoy: 

    • Private fitness centre times 
    • Access to equipment 
    • The supervision of friendly and knowledgeable staff who self-identify as a woman or 2STNB. 

Two categories or types of time slots. Hours for Fall 2025 to be in effect from September 2nd to December 4th. 

    • Women (Trans Women Welcome): This program is for all trans and cis women who are comfortable in a space that centres the experiences of women.
      • Monday: 6:30 – 10:30AM
      • Wednesday: 5-9PM
    • Two-Spirit, Trans, Non-Binary (2STNB): This category is for all who identify as Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary. 
      • Tuesday: 6:30 – 10:30AM
      • Thursday: 5 – 9PM

 

 

 

Intro to Weight Lifting: Beginner & Intermediate

Whether you’re new to fitness or looking to build on your existing knowledge, Fundamentals of Fitness classes are designed to help you feel confident, capable, and strong. Led by knowledgeable instructors, each session offers personalized guidance in a fun, supportive, and inclusive group environment – so you can grow at your own pace while enjoying the journey.

 

 

Intramural Categories 

Women (Trans Women Welcome): This category is for all trans and cis women who are comfortable in a space that centres the experiences of women. This category exists in our Intramural Leagues offerings and in certain Intramural Events.

 

 

Intramural Free Agent Night (Women Trans Welcome)

September 9, 2025 – 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm

There will be a dedicated free agent night for our Women’s Trans Welcome Leagues for an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals looking to form a team. Individuals who form a team at the meeting will have an opportunity to register on the spot.

 

 

 

Women’s Community Nights  

Are you looking to join a community of other women or trans women on campus in playing sports and having fun?

Come and join UBC Intramurals’ Women’s Community Nights Series! Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just looking for new sporty pals on campus, our team of friendly and fun loving Intramurals staff will answer all of your questions, take you through some drills, give you some snacks, and make sure you’re set up for the open court sessions at the end of the night! 

 

 

Move More, Learn More  

Move More, Learn More is an interactive health education program designed for Asian women (trans women welcome)– a group with (on average) low levels of physical activity, however all women are welcome to participate. This specialized program includes a variety of health learning topics and private group physical activity sessions so that participants can try out new ways to move. Start your journey in health and fitness to find out what suits your lifestyle!

 

Thunderbirds Sport Clubs  

The UBC Thunderbirds Sport Clubs (UBC TSC) is a competitive sport program for UBC Students. Launched in September 2015, UBC TSC currently features thirteen sports and fifteen teams which include:

  • Women’s-only TSC Clubs: teams that compete in Women’s-only competition.
    • Tennis & Ultimate.
  • Gender Inclusive teams: Teams that do not have gender-based restrictions with regards to participation.
    • Artistic Swimming, Equestrian, Quadball, Sailing.
  • Co-Ed Clubs but with Women’s-only competition: Teams that are a mix of men and women that train together, but compete have men and women-only competition categories.
    • Alpine Skiing, Curling, Cycling, Nordic Skiing, Table Tennis, Triathlon, etc.

 

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