People gather in protest outside Xenia YMCA over locker room policy
People gathered in protest at the Xenia YMCA Saturday afternoon to make their voices heard about its policy that allows transgender people to use the locker room bathroom they identify with.
>>PHOTOS: Protests outside Xenia YMCA over locker room policy
News Center 7′s Taylor Robertson spoke with both sides of the issue.
People lined up on both sides of the sidewalk on Progress Drive to voice their concerns about the locker room bathrooms at the Xenia YMCA.
Robertson says one side of the street was filled with people in support of the YMCA allowing those who are transgender to use the restroom they identify with.
“We’re here to support the YMCA,” said Karen Shirk. “Their policies are inclusionary, they’re appropriate and we support them in their decision. We’re out here standing up for the rights of every individual.”
>>Transgender woman facing indecent exposure charges for using female locker room at Xenia YMCA
On the other side, people were urging the YMCA to create a separate bathroom for transgender people to use.
“Well, I’d like to see the YMCA come up with some kind of policy where there are three bathrooms,” said Bruce Hull.
This comes after a transgender woman faced three counts of indecent exposure charges after the YMCA started getting complaints from people using the women’s locker room.
News Center 7 previously reported on the incident.
Complaints at the YMCA center around a person identified in Xenia Municipal Court documents as Darren Glines, 31, but we’ve been made aware that Glines identifies as a woman and goes by the first name of Rachel.
Glines has been charged with three counts of indecent exposure and the next court appearance is scheduled for March 21, according to online court records.
>>PHOTOS: Transgender woman facing indecent exposure charges at Xenia YMCA
Bobbie Arnold told Robertson trans women should not have to feel unsafe by using the men’s restroom.
“Trans women have the right to use the women’s changing facilities and that trans women should have the right to use women’s spaces,” said Arnold. “I don’t expect people to change their world view of us, but to accept that we exist and we’re here.”
As for those want the YMCA to adjust their policy, Robertson reports people are going to make their voices heard.
“It’s time to stand up for our rights,” said Kathy Staiger. “I’m not going to be silent anymore.”
“I’m supporting the women that goes to the YMCA and also the children that go to the YMCA of having men in their locker room,” Hull said. “I’m against it, I’m against it.”
The Xenia YMCA decided to cancel two of its classes as well as child watch for that day as a precaution to the protests.
