The major gym chain has prided itself on its "judgment free zone," as they supposedly bring a comfortable environment to any of their members, no matter their condition or sexual identity; now, Planet Fitness' transgender policy becomes the subject of controversy after someone became uncomfortable.
While Planet Fitness' transgender policy has been applauded in the biggest cities in the country, it seems like the chain's views towards sexual identity and locker room usage may not be entirely fit for their members in smaller towns, as there has been wide controversy stirring up after the event.
According to Health.com, the Planet Fitness transgender controversy started late last month in Midland, Michigan, when member Yvette Cormier went to the gym's authorities to report that there was a man in the women's locker rooms, which made her uncomfortable enough to demand them to do something about it.
Upon hearing her claim, staffers informed her if their "judgment free zone" policy, but Cormier wasn't satisfied with the response, then visiting the gym four more times to tell other female members that the chain allowed men in the women's locker rooms. After this, Planet Fitness chose to revoke her membership for being "inappropriate" and breaching their policy.
As LGBT-interest magazine Advocate reports, the Planet Fitness transgender controversy has created a while different debate: the acceptance of trans access. The magazine reports that the states of Texas and Florida are both currently creating legislation that seeks to criminalize those individuals that use public restrooms, showers and the like that don't necessarily accord to their gender assigned at birth; they could even face jail time for this.
The Daily Mail reports that Carlotta Sklodowska, the trans woman that Cormier saw, isn't a member of the gym and just came into the locker room to leave her purse and then pick it up.
Seemingly, the Planet Fitness transgender controversy has helped gain national recognition for the issue, and Sklodowska has stated she's gotten a lot of support ever since this came out.
