I Felt Uncomfortable But Am I Being Un - "pc"

[jd_1984]

Ok, firstly and very importantly, I am not homophocic in the slightest.
Last night, whilst getting changed after my workout at the gym, I became very conscious that another male was looking at me. It wasnt just a passing glance, it was almost constant and I became very self aware and uncomfortable. You get used to the changing room environment and that fellow gym users are in various stages of undress from fully clothed to totally naked, but one just gets on with his own business and that is that.
But this chap was constantly looking over at me almost to the point where I wanted to ask what his problem was! It turns out that this man is gay (not a problem with me) but in a same sex changing facility I was made to feel uncomfortable. It is quite embarrasing to admit this, but, I was uncomfortable. Now, I wouldnt dream of saying anything to staff at the gym, there is a clear reason that why 2 sexes have seperate changing rooms and I never even thought about this as an issue until last night.
Am I being daft to say I was uncomfortable, I mean there is no harm done? Or would you feel similar to me?

[888sally888]

I wouldn't like being stared at by anyone like that.

On a funny note, I was on the treadmill and really thought someone was staring at me constantly until I realised I was right by a tv!

[naomi24]

Yes, I would feel uncomfortable - and if that's un-PC, so be it. I don't 'do' PC.

[emmie]

i would feel uncomfortable myself, and never liked open plan changing facilities.

[naomi24]

Neither do I, em. I like my privacy.

[jd_1984]

I wouldnt dream of reporting this I would feel ridiculous coming out with it. However, is this any different to a man taking an over active interest in a woman getting changed? Obviously because the 2 sexes have seperate changing rooms, this wouldnt happen at a gym. But it happened to me, I feel a pratt even saying it but I went home feeling really awkward, my mrs just p**sed herself laughing!!

[888sally888]

amazes me how many women at my gym wander round for ages completely starkers. Some even chat to you like 'look at me I'm naked' uuurggghhh - GET DRESSED!!

[emmie]

i am no Elle McPherson, but was once eyed up and indeed asked if i would like to be assisted in using a piece of gym equipment, the suggestion was quite odd, i had never used a gym before, and the woman in question looked rather like Lemmy from Motorhead, i declined and with my friends laughter ringing in my ears beat a hasty retreat.

[jd_1984]

sally, yes it does happen. I always wondered what age you reach when you decide it is appropriate to walk round starkers starting conversations with people. I am under 30 and I keep myself very private, holding a towel over me as much as possible. Some of the old timers just let it all hang out and want to talk to me about everyday things like football or the weather!!

[friedgreentomato]

How do you know he was gay?

[emmie]

i am an old timer and most certainly don't let it all hang out, perhaps on a secluded beach, where the few others are similarly attired.

[LazyGun]

Those of us with Adonis like bodies kind of get used to it. Stared at by people from both sexes. It can be a terrible burden, but I get through it by thinking of the joy i am bringing to their lives...


:)

[grasscarp]

Are there no cubicles? Personally I never get undressed in an open area.

[joeluke]

Have been in this situation myself, told him to flump off and he never glanced my way ever again

Reckon some gays join gyms just perv at other men

[jd_1984]

Lol Lazy gun
No grasscarp, no booths just benches and lockers
My friend knows this guy (and his boyfriend) through mutual friends and without stereotyping, you just "know" he is gay.

[emmie]

some of the sports centres i have used in the past, including swimming baths had some cubicles, but many just had these open areas. Perhaps it's our British uptightness over nudity, but i still don't care for it.

[pixie373]

It's not un-PC anyway. You don't object to him being gay, you object to someone staring at you while you're getting changed. I would feel the same whether it was a man or woman, gay or straight.

[jd_1984]

The nudity issue doesnt bother me. But most guys just keep their eyes to the floor and get changed very quickly. The man in question was wrapped in a towel, sat on the adjacent bench and was making no attempt to be subtle, he was looking across almost constantly. And yes at the time I got on my high horse as I thought, i dont come to the gym to feel uncomfortable, now I am over it somewhat but was inteersted what people thought about the issue

[emmie]

if you go there again, and he is there and does the same, perhaps you should ask him what he finds so fascinating.

[friedgreentomato]

Joeluke what a crass comment!

[888sally888]

Hey - get a stick on tattoo right across your back saying 'Deidre forever' - that should work lol