Transgender Woman Suing Hudson Valley Gym over Locker Room Use

A Hudson Valley gym is in danger of being sued after a transgender woman says she was denied access to the locker room and showers.

The Kingston Times reports that 56-year-old Candace Teetsel is planning a lawsuit against MAC Fitness in the Kingston Plaza. The former Marine has been in the process of transitioning to a female since 2002. And although her driver's license declares that she is female, she claims MAC Fitness refused to allowed her access to the women's locker room.

Teetsel joined the gym back in 2013 and says she discussed her situation with management. She claims she was told that MAC Fitness had experience with other transgender members in the past and that although there "were a few issues," Teetsel was welcome to use the women's locker room as long as she would "go about (her) business and be discreet."

After taking time off from the gym for knee surgery, Teetsel decided to renew her membership. Instead, she 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.

The Kingston Times quotes MAC Fitness co-owner Holly SchulerIn as saying,

In any situation where a majority of our members’ enjoyment is compromised, whether it’s dropping weights or making too much noise or an issue with how someone is dressed, we handle it personally,

Schulerin went on to say that "every effort was made to accommodate her and work around some of the member complaints,” but admitted that being such a new issue to deal with, they "don’t have a whole handbook or policy about [transgender people] as of yet.”

Teetsel says she was requested to change in a separate unisex bathroom, something she was not willing to compromise on. Instead, Teetsel has contacted legal counsel and says she will file a complaint with the Ulster County and City of Kingston human rights commissions.

We want to know what you think. Should Teetsel be allowed to use the women's locker room or was the gym right to deny her access? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.