A woman in Southern California lost her Gold’s Gym membership following a viral incident involving a trans person in the women’s locker room. The episode drew wide attention online and sparked debate over privacy and inclusion.
According to witness Tish Hyman, she was undressed and preparing to leave the shower area when she noticed a naked trans woman nearby. Believing she had entered the wrong space, Hyman turned and addressed the person politely.
“I was naked, drying and oiling up, when I turned around and saw a man in the locker room. I thought maybe I missed a sign, so I said, sir, but before I could say anything else, they said, ‘You can’t tell me nothing, b****, I’m a woman.’”
Hyman said she was startled and began calling for help, unsure how to react. The encounter quickly spread across social media, leading to heated arguments over gender identity and personal boundaries in public facilities.
Fitness influencer Joey Swoll reacted to the situation on November 6, 2025, commenting that women should not be labeled as transphobic for desiring safe and comfortable locker rooms. His statement emphasized empathy and understanding without hostility toward any group.
“Women aren’t transphobic for wanting safety and comfort in locker rooms.”
Gold’s Gym decided to revoke Hyman’s membership following the online attention, citing their policies promoting respect for all members. The case remains a flashpoint in the ongoing discussion about inclusion, privacy, and gym safety standards.
The removal of Tish Hyman from Gold’s Gym after a heated locker room encounter reignited national debate over gender identity, women’s safety, and respectful coexistence in shared spaces.