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Still Cruising
Hampstead heath Ponds, Trans swimmers and public future access.
Respond to the City of London corp. aiming to remove trans access to the ponds.
Share your personal stories from the ponds below.
What We Do
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01
cruising ground
Since the 17th century, these historic ponds have evolved from water supply reservoirs into beloved swimming spots. The Men's Pond gained prominence in the 1980s and 90s as one of London's most significant gay cruising sites. At a time when homosexuality was still heavily stigmatized, the heath's woodland surroundings provided crucial meeting spaces. Today, the ponds have transformed into cherished community hangouts where queer people seek connection, peace, and authentic human bonds in nature.
02
Icons and Everyday stories
George Michael famously spoke about finding community and honest connection at Hampstead Heath. But beyond celebrity stories, countless ordinary LGBTQ+ people have found belonging here—from those seeking their first queer friendships to elders who've swum these waters for decades.
03
Inclusive Since Day One
Opened in 1926, the Ladies' Pond has long welcomed trans women without incident. In 2019, the City of London Corporation formally acknowledged trans people's right to swim at the ponds, ensuring these spaces remain inclusive for all women. Trans swimmers have been part of the pond's community for many years.
04
Immortalized in Queer Culture
The ponds live on in groundbreaking queer literature. Alan Hollinghurst's Man Booker Prize-winning novel The Line of Beauty depicts the Heath as a gay cruising destination, while his debut The Swimming-Pool Library celebrates London's thriving gay subculture.
The 2019 documentary The Ponds captures year-round swimmers' stories. The essay collection At the Pond: Swimming at the Hampstead Ladies' Pond includes contributions from queer writer and activist So Mayer alongside other voices celebrating this unique space.
05
Immortalized in Queer Culture
The ponds will forever live on in groundbreaking queer literature. Alan Hollinghurst's Man Booker Prize-winning novel The Line of Beauty depicts the Heath as a gay cruising destination, while his debut The Swimming-Pool Library celebrates London's thriving gay subculture. The 2019 documentary The Ponds captures year-round swimmers' stories. The essay collection At the Pond: Swimming at the Hampstead Ladies' Pond includes contributions from queer writer and activist So Mayer alongside other voices celebrating this unique space.