Janice R. Andrews
The largest fitness business, Planet Fitness, had a startling $400 million decline in its worth, from $5.3 billion to $4.9 billion, as a result of strong criticism directed towards their transgender locker room policy.
After an instance where a woman’s membership was revoked for taking a photo of a transgender person in the women’s locker room, critics are accusing the corporation of “going woke” and demanding a boycott.
Patricia Silva’s membership was canceled in the women’s locker room because she took pictures of a transgender woman who was naturally male. This sparked the uproar. The conservative X account Libs of TikTok initially reported on the event. Since then, the account has led a movement calling on gym patrons to boycott Planet Fitness on the grounds that the corporation is allegedly creating harmful environments for women.
Reportedly, a 12-year-old girl in the locker area expressed discomfort at the sight of a biological male, which supported Silva’s story.
In defense of its actions, Planet Fitness claimed that Silva’s membership had been cancelled due to his breach of the gym’s rule against taking pictures or recordings in the locker area. The business reaffirmed its dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace, but conservative groups—among them, prominent individuals such as Elon Musk—kept criticizing it.
Speaking out on the matter, Musk called Planet Fitness a “creepy place” in response to claims that it disregarded the safety of women.
The repercussions from this incident highlights the ongoing discussion about gender identity regulations and how they affect people’s safety and privacy in public areas. Public debate has continued to center on issues of corporate accountability and the proper balance of individual rights as Planet Fitness struggles with the fallout.
