Planet Fitness is banning a woman from their chain of gyms after she repeatedly complained about a transgender person using a locker room meant for women. The decision has ignited a flurry of controversy as the public weighs in on the decision.
The gymnasium, located in Michigan, canceled the membership of a Midland County client after she complained "a man" was using the women's changing area on February 28.
"I was blocked because a man was standing there. It freaked me out because why is a man in here? I was stunned and shocked. He looked like a man. He did not look like a woman," Yvette Cormier said.
She first complained to the front desk at her local gym, and later to the company's corporate headquarters.
Planet Fitness prides itself as a "no judgment zone," and Cormier had her membership revoked given that policy. Management stated that by complaining to customers, as well as management of the facility, she disrupted customers trying to get into shape.
Cormier was contacted before her membership was canceled, and Planet Fitness managers asked her to refrain from telling her story to customers, a request she refused to honor.
"Planet Fitness is committed to creating a non-intimidating, welcoming environment for our members. Our gender identity non-discrimination policy states that members and guests may use all gym facilities based on their sincere self-reported gender identity," Planet Fitness management wrote in an official statement on the incident.
The woman at the center of the controversy said that although she recognizes some males identify as females and vice versa, that the masculine appearance of the transgender member caught her off-guard. Cormier was undressing in the room when the other person came into the area. She said she did not realize the member is transgendered, or that company policy allows clients to select locker rooms based on self-identification of gender.
Cormier said she is not concerned about having her membership reinstated, but she believes women should be made aware transgender clients are allowed in bathrooms and locker rooms designated for females.
Some observers believe private showers and changing areas at Planet Fitness and other gymnasiums could help avoid similar incidents in the future.
"Private showers and changing areas really would go a long way in resolving these issues," Char Davenport, a professor at Saginaw Valley State University and transgender woman, said.
Davenport believes this incident could help raise awareness of issues surrounding the transgender community.
Photo: Mike Mozart | Flickr
