Transgender Woman Speaks Out Over Locker Room Controversy

Candace Teetsel, a transgender woman from Kingston, explained to us why she is battling a fitness club over her use of the women's locker room.

Teetsel joined MAC Fitness in Kingston back in 2013 and says she discussed her situation with management. She claims that she was told she could use the women’s locker room as long as she was discreet. That all changed when Teetsel recently went to renew her membership.

The former Marine and Kingston resident says she was offered a limited membership and asked to agree to no longer use the women’s locker room. Management had indicated that other female gym members were uncomfortable with Teetsel using the showers and changing area, something she says she did not do.

We spoke with Teetsel on The Boris & Robyn Show and asked her about the complaints against her and if she believes a transgender woman who is transitioning should undress in the ladies locker room:

MAC Fitness was unavailable to join us for the interview but provided us with a statement which reads in part,

This is a unique and sensitive challenge and obviously, we want to keep everybody happy. We do not want our female members to feel uncomfortable. A transgender woman that’s not fully transitioned can make other women feel uncomfortable in the locker room… We know our business  won’t be alone in determining how to move forward on this delicate issue and I personally don’t want anyone’s rights to feel compromised.

We want to know what you think about this issue. Should a transgender woman be allowed in the ladies' locker room if they are discrete and respectful of other's privacy? Let us know your thoughts below or on our Facebook page.