Planet Fitness, a popular fitness chain, has found itself amidst a heated debate due to a viral video capturing a transgender woman in the women’s locker room. The incident has sparked a massive conversation around the inclusion and rights of transgender individuals.

The controversy began when a photo of a transgender woman shaving in the locker room was shared by a disgruntled member in Alaska. The woman accused Planet Fitness of allowing ‘men’ into a space that should be exclusive to cisgender women. The video of her rant quickly gained traction and ignited a divisive discussion.

In response, the local Planet Fitness branch revoked the membership of the woman who took the photo. However, the transgender person in question was left unaffected, as the company stood by its policy of inclusivity and allowing individuals to use the locker room that aligns with their gender identity. It should be noted that acting in bad faith can still result in membership cancellation.

The controversy escalated further when more photos of the transgender woman using the locker room surfaced. Supporters on the conservative side of politics called for a nationwide boycott of Planet Fitness, which has had a significant impact on the company’s stock price. In just 12 days, the stock price dropped from $66 to approximately $56, resulting in a market value loss of around $400 million. The company’s market cap decreased from $5.3 billion to about $4.9 billion in just five days.

While the controversy continues to unfold, it highlights the ongoing struggle for acceptance and understanding of transgender individuals in society. It serves as a reminder of the importance of creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome, respected, and supported.