Rebecca Philips had just finished swimming at the YMCA in Santee, California. The 17-year-old was taking a shower when she spotted a grown naked man — in the women’s locker room.
The teenager quickly got dressed and alerted YMCA management. But instead of calling the cops — they scolded Rebecca.
It turns out the YMCA has a policy that allows men who identify as women to use the locker rooms of their choice.
Rebecca took her concerns to the Santee City Council. She said that the YMCA made her feel as if she had done something wrong.
“A grown male can shower alongside a teenage girl at your YMCA, here in Santee,” she said. “I was made to feel as if I had done something wrong. The indecent exposure of a male to a female minor was an inconvenience to them.”
But under California law – the YMCA was well within its rights to do what they did.
“The YMCA said in a statement: ‘”We are aware of a situation involving two members in the locker room of the Santee YMCA earlier this month. The comfort and safety of all our members are our highest priority,” the YMCA said in a statement to the New York Post.
“As a community-focused organization, we strive to meet the needs of all individuals. We recognize that birth and gender identity are sensitive subjects. We rely on subject matter experts, laws, and guidelines established by the State of California to ensure our policies are welcoming and respectful for all community members.”
So as a matter of public service you need to be aware that if your daughter goes to a YMCA gym – she could encounter a fully naked man.
I’d consider exercising at your local church recreation center.
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