A Midland woman who worked out at Planet Fitness recently had her membership revoked after making comments to other gym members about a transgender woman she spotted in the locker room.

On Feb. 28, a 48-year-old Midland woman said that she entered the women’s locker room and saw a “man” standing inside.

The “man” in question was a transgender woman who decided to use the women’s locker room, in accordance with Planet Fitness policy.

After seeing the woman in the locker room, the Midland woman made comments to other gym members. An employee later told her that because the transgender woman identifies as a woman, she has the right to go into the women’s locker room.

The Midland woman brought her complaints to Planet Fitness’ corporate office and later returned to the Midland Planet Fitness to tell other women about her experience. The company told her that she was violating Planet Fitness’ “no judgment” policy.

After refusing to drop the issue, Planet Fitness canceled the Midland woman’s membership.

A statement released by Planet Fitness’ public relations director, Mrs. McCall Gosselin, states that members can use whichever locker room best fits their personal gender identity.

The statement, though it does not go into detail about the situation in Midland, said:

“Planet Fitness is committed to creating a non-intimidating, welcoming environment for our members. Our gender identity non-discrimination policy states that members and guests may use all gym facilities based on their sincere self-reported gender identity. The manner in which this member expressed her concerns about the policy exhibited behavior that management at the Midland club deemed inappropriate and disruptive to other members, which is a violation of the membership agreement and as a result her membership was cancelled.”

Public opinion on the situation is varied.

Some believe the transgender woman had a right to go into the women’s locker room.  They say that making a self-identifying woman go into the men’s locker room could put her safety at risk.

Sophomore Rian Schulz shares this mindset.

“I believe it was right because nobody should be judged about who they are, and if that woman heard what was said, she would have been offended,” Schulz said. “That’s not right because she’s just trying to be herself.”

Others believe that the transgender woman should not have been allowed entry to the locker room, seeing that it could cause even more controversy.

Cami Clarambeau, sophomore, is indifferent about the situation.

“I think they (Planet Fitness) should have just dropped the issue because it’s not that big of a deal,” Clarambeau said.

There has also been a third proposed solution that might end the controversy: putting in a unisex bathroom.

The issue is still being hotly debated by concerned individuals around the state.