The growing trend of mixed-gender shower facilities at U.S. colleges and universities has become a topic of debate among students. While some see it as an inclusive measure, others believe it fails to address privacy and safety concerns. According to a recent 2021 National College Health Assessment survey, 14% of U.S. colleges and universities have co-ed shower facilities. However, this number has increased in recent years as more colleges and universities seek to make their facilities more inclusive.
Mixed-gender shower facilities have generated a range of opinions among students in the United States. For some, it is a space for inclusion and diversity in the college community. They believe that students of all genders should be able to comfortably share facilities. Others, however, argue that such arrangements violate privacy and cultural norms. The fear of being seen or judged by others can cause discomfort and make it difficult to relax, leading to discomfort for all involved.
Some colleges and universities have attempted to address privacy concerns by installing individual shower stalls with lockable doors to ensure privacy. However, even these measures are not without problems. Privacy can still be violated when students are dressing and undressing. Even when a separate room is available, students may feel unprotected and vulnerable in the presence of the opposite sex.
Young adults are concerned about their bodies and how they appear to others. The prospect of sharing intimate spaces with people of the opposite sex only makes many feel more insecure. The sense of awkwardness and embarrassment that students feel when using these facilities, which can lead to vulnerability, is a topic of interest to us erotica writers. In this context, the ENF (embarrassed naked female) genre has become popular, focusing on women’s experiences of exposing themselves to men and the feelings of vulnerability that result.
Writers can explore how to make this development palpable for their readers, for example, by addressing the vulnerability of exposure. Mixed-gender showers also offer space for literary experimentation with exhibitionism and voyeurism, sensual descriptions and erotic conflicts.
Mixed-gender shower facilities are becoming increasingly common at American colleges and universities. While they promote inclusion, they also raise questions about privacy, safety, and cultural norms. For young adults, using these facilities can be a daunting task, leaving them feeling exposed and vulnerable. For erotica writers, mixed-gender shower facilities offer a unique setting in which to explore the complexities of vulnerability, privacy, and pleasure. We hope that this blog post has sparked ideas and conversations about how to address this emerging trend in your future writing projects.
