In an episode that is causing intense debates on social networks, the transgender swimmer Lia Thomas was prohibited from attending a women’s gym in a gym located in the United States. According to witness reports, the decision was accompanied by a direct statement by one of those responsible for the administration of the place:
“Go to men, William!”– Using Lia’s birth name.
The expulsion would have happened after other academy goers expressed discomfort with the athlete’s presence. The incident quickly viralized, with videos and images being shared on various online platforms, dividing opinions between trans supporters and those who advocate strict separation by biological sex in spaces such as gyms, bathrooms and locker rooms.
Lia Thomas, known for competing in women’s swimming university championships after her gender transition, has not yet officially commented on what happened. However, LGBTQIA+ Rights Defense Organizations are already classifying the episode as open transphobia and require investigation and accountability of the establishment.
The case rekindles the controversy over the space of trans people in gender segregated environments and promises to be another hot chapter in public debate on gender identity, inclusion and limits of social policies in shared spaces.
