Executive summary: Los Angeles-based singer Tish Hyman had her Gold’s Gym membership terminated after a heated confrontation with an individual she accused of being a man in the women’s locker room, alleging repeated harassment and inadequate response from staff. This incident has ignited discussions on gender identity policies in public spaces.
The altercation occurred on Sunday at the Gold’s Gym Beverly Center, which was recently acquired by EōS Fitness. Hyman, a 42-year-old musician, filmed the incident and posted it on social media, showing her shouting at the person dressed in black, who she claimed had entered the women’s locker room multiple times. In the video, Hyman demanded that the individual’s gym membership be revoked, stating, ‘Stay out of the women’s locker room! We don’t want it.’ She asserted that she and other women had filed written reports about the person’s behavior, but gym staff had failed to take effective action.
Hyman detailed that the confrontation escalated when the person allegedly followed her into the restroom and called her a derogatory name, prompting her to run out screaming for help. She expressed fear and frustration, emphasizing that women were changing naked in the locker room and felt unsafe. Despite her complaints, Hyman reported that the person was allowed to re-enter the locker room shortly after the incident, while she was escorted out and informed that her membership was being terminated.
In her social media posts, Hyman revealed that she had quietly reported the harassment on previous occasions but felt ignored by gym management. She described the staff’s response as dismissive, claiming they prioritized avoiding conflict over ensuring safety. The video footage shows gym employees intervening but ultimately removing both parties from the premises, with Hyman alleging that she was punished for speaking up. This has raised questions about the gym’s handling of such disputes and its adherence to member safety protocols.
The Gold’s Gym location involved has transitioned to EōS Fitness ownership, and company policy states that locker room use must comply with federal, state, and local laws. In California, the Unruh Civil Rights Act protects individuals’ right to use facilities aligned with their gender identity, which complicates the situation. Hyman criticized this policy, calling for the installation of dedicated transgender restrooms to prevent similar conflicts and ensure privacy for all members.
Public reaction has been mixed, with many social media users supporting Hyman’s stance on women’s safety, while others highlighted the legal protections for transgender individuals. Hyman urged a boycott of Gold’s Gym and encouraged others to take a stand against what she perceives as unsafe practices. The incident has sparked broader debates on balancing transgender rights with the privacy concerns of biological women in shared spaces like gyms.
As the story gains traction, it underscores ongoing societal tensions surrounding gender identity and public accommodation laws. Gym chains and other businesses may face increased scrutiny over their policies, potentially leading to revisions or additional measures to address member concerns. Hyman’s case could influence future discussions on implementing inclusive yet distinct facilities to accommodate diverse needs without compromising safety.