Tanaka Fuego is a Trans activist and poet who spent much of their childhood by the sea. Born and raised between Southend and the Atlantic they say, ‘flying and floating has been synonymous with my existence from the age of 3.

Tanaka Fuego

Tanaka Fuego is a Trans activist and poet who spent much of their childhood by the sea. Born and raised between Southend and the Atlantic they say, ‘flying and floating has been synonymous with my existence from the age of 3.  Some of my favorite memories are held in drops of joy baked with my interaction with water’.

But it hasn't always been an easy relationship. ‘I've spent much of my life feeling excluded from these spaces, having to hide because I was either too big or too trans at times.’ In the last few years Tanaka has made a point of reclaiming these spaces and not shying away from the crowds whilst doing it.

‘Most of my recommendations aren't super secluded, but that's because I'm constantly pushing myself to not feel so bothered. like, if you’ve never seen a trans body before, get used to it. One thing I know with certainty is water doesn't care about gender, nor race, nor weight. It's the one place we all can feel weightless at times.”

Check out Tanaka’s guide on where to embrace the crowds and stay a float. Brought you in partnership with 

 and as a part of Open Waters, a resource helping people from all backgrounds navigate the waters.

Manchester

London

A beach that holds many of my childhood memories. It is such a special spot with a great beach. From high tide to low tide you can go for a splash about or a decent swim. It's pretty well known so it gets quite busy during summer but if you go off peak it's not chaotic at all. 4-6pm is the best time for me, you can enjoy the gentle breeze of the day winding down.

Not my favourite place but the people are more open minded. You can book swimming sessions for £6. Its family friendly and good for both beginners and those that want to do laps. There are also loads of activities to test out if you want to have fun and let loose.

Manchester is a place I love to go to, from the accent to the shore-  its a place that reminds me of being a kid. Chorlton water park is great for a paddle, and fun with friends. Like most of my other spots it isn’t remote, amidst the crowds you'll see dogs roaming free or a group of cis men having a lads summer so with this in mind I wouldn’t suggest coming down here alone, bring a pal or two and find a little spot to relax by the water. While you are there, hit Didsbury Park for a spot of bird watching. Its just a bus ride or a 30-40minute walk away.