YMCA, LA Fitness Hit for Anti-Trans Policies
Gyms prevented trans, non-binary individuals from using gendered bathrooms
BY TAT BELLAMY-WALKER
Separate investigations by
the New York City Human
Rights Commission into
YMCA and LA Fitness locations
in New York City revealed
that trans and non-binary patrons
were denied access to gendered
bathrooms and locker rooms,
prompting sweeping LGBTQ policy
changes at those establishments.
The YMCA of Greater New York
was slapped with $10,000 in emotional
distress damages stemming
from a 2018 case involving a nonbinary
person who said they were
kicked out of the women’s bathroom
and a family restroom at the YMCA
at 357 Ninth Street in Brooklyn, according
to the Human Rights Commission.
During both incidents, the
complainant said YMCA staff members
told them to leave.
The Human Rights Commission’s
probe into LA Fitness spanned locations
across the city, including
in the Bronx, Queens, and Staten
Island. The investigation revealed
that the gym had policies barring
transgender women from using the
women’s locker room unless they
had gender-affi rming surgery.
“If you can’t use the locker room
of your choice according to the gender
that you identify with, it really
interferes with the ability of New
Yorkers to move through society,”
Sapna V. Raj, the deputy commissioner
of NYCCHR’s Law Enforcement
Bureau, told Gay City News.
Raj noted that it’s not only about
calling out the violations, but monitoring
the facilities.
“Down the line, we will make sure
that they are compliant with city
non-discrimination laws,” Raj said.
As a result of the violations, 12
YMCA locations must collect and
submit gender identity-related
complaints to the Human Rights
Commission for six months, while
LA Fitness must implement an
anti-discrimination policy and
employment policy covering gender
identity. Managers at both
gym facilities must also attend a
New York City Human Rights Law
training and trans-inclusive bathroom
CIVIL RIGHTS
The YMCA of Greater New York paid $10,000 in emotional distress damages to a non-binary, trans person after denying them locker room access in 2018.
signs must be posted.
This is not the only time the
YMCA has landed in hot water
with the Human Rights Commission.
Last year, a Human Rights
Commission investigation revealed
that the YMCA did not cover most
gender-affi rming services for trans
and non-binary employees. A resolution
to the suit expanded healthcare
options to include specifi c
transition-related care such as facial
feminization surgery.
LA Fitness did not immediately respond
to requests for comment. In a
statement, YMCA spokesperson Matt
Ferraguto apologized and added that
the organization took action.
“We are sorry that a member
was made to feel unwelcome at one
of our branches,” Ferraguto said.
“Management took prompt, remedial
action as soon as we became
aware of the issue and has taken
steps to ensure this never happens
again, including multiple training
sessions for Y staff, in coordination
with the New York City Commission
on Human Rights.”
Ferraguto added, “The Y is here
for New Yorkers of all genders, ethnicities,
and backgrounds, and to
ensure everyone feels welcome and
safe, we offer transgender individuals
the opportunity to use the locker
room that matches their gender
identity. In addition to the training
and a fi nancial settlement, the Y
also committed to post additional
notices reaffi rming that members
have the right to use the facility
which corresponds with their gender
identity and expression and to
work closely with the Commission
on Human Rights to ensure that
all of our branches create a welcoming
atmosphere for all.”
Raj described the complainant as
“happy” with the results of the YMCA
settlement.
GOOGLE MAPS
“I think it’s not only with
that particular individual; it
is changing the way the YMCA
will handle and address issues
of gender identity,” Raj said. “It
helps not only that one individual
but anyone who uses the
YMCA.”
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