Virgin Active’s new inclusive policy which allows transgender individuals to use the changing room of their preference has sparked a debate on social media on how the gym plans to safeguard women and children against perverts.
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Virgin Active announced its latest policy through X on 25 April, allowing individuals who have completed their transition to use the bathrooms aligned with their legally recognised gender.
— Virgin Active (@virginactiveSA) April 25, 2024
The announcement was met with divide, while many social media users raised concerns and queried the safety of women and children using the gym:
- ‘Ja, but what are you doing about people taking photos in the change rooms?’
- ‘Thanks @virginactiveSA. Again, when you say “full transition” does this mean NO male genitalia? If my wife or daughter uses the changing rooms, can they be assured that they won’t be exposed to male genitalia? Pls answer. Don’t refer to “documentation”.’
- ‘How do you define “still in transition”? How is this determined? Are you doing screenings of naked men and women to decide if they’ve transitioned far enough?’
- ‘Time to cancel our gym memberships, and save some cash while we’re at it!’
Many were in favour of the new policy:
- ‘I don’t think the bigots in the comments comprehend how weird it would be for a trans woman to be using the men’s bathroom or a trans man to be using the woman’s bathroom..’
- ‘It must be so tricky for corporates to navigate this new normal…judging by the comments you can already see divisions and intolerance.’
- ‘More changing room options, great! But shouldn’t existing gym members who are non-LGBTQ+ be considered? Focus on privacy for everyone & invest in additional facilities like dedicated LGBTQ+ changing rooms.’
Virgin Active addressed the concerns by assuring that male members are prohibited from accessing women’s facilities. The gym has expressed support for individuals who have completed their transition process, and only after the identification documents have been updated to reflect their gender will they have access to facilities corresponding to their gender identity.
Also read:
Stop excluding transgender people from conversations about GBV
Picture: Tim Mossholder / Pexels