Natalee Barnett Faces Backlash for Transgender Ban at New Gym
Fitness influencer Natalee Barnett has recently attracted considerable controversy after announcing on social media that her new gym, The Girls Spot in London, will start admitting only “biological women” —effectively banning transgender women from joining. This decision has sparked outrage, particularly given Barnett’s earlier commitment to inclusivity for all women, including those who are transgender.
In a video shared on Instagram, which has since been taken down, Barnett stated that the gym would cater exclusively to cisgender women, citing concerns over “gym harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence” that women face in fitness environments. This announcement contradicted her previous assurances made in 2021 on X (formerly Twitter), where she advocated for a safe space for transgender women as well. Its Onsite covered the controversial remark on March 11, sparking a heated discussion online.
Barnett, who has gained a substantial following of over 400,000 on Instagram, plans to fund the gym herself, along with contributions from fundraising platforms like GoFundMe. Apart from sharing her fitness journey, she also offers insights into her experiences as a new mother to her daughter, Kehlani.
Online reactions have been polarized, with many expressing disappointment and anger over the decision to exclude transgender women. Some comments highlighted the apparent inconsistency between her promises and her current policies, while others criticized the broader implications of such exclusions in fitness spaces. Many commenters publicly voiced their perspectives against the exclusionary decision, underscoring the growing conversations surrounding gender inclusivity in gyms.
Context of Controversy
The timing of Barnett’s announcement coincides with political developments, such as President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender female athletes from competing in women’s sports. Such policies fuel the ongoing debate about inclusivity in various facets of society, particularly in fitness and sports.
Barnett has reiterated that The Girls Spot will focus on tailor-made programs for cisgender women, including self-defense classes, Muay Thai, boxing, and workshops related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and menstrual cycle training. This specialized approach is presented as a focused effort to create a safe environment specifically addressing women’s fitness needs.
Natalee Barnett’s Response on Social Media
In a bid to clarify her position, Barnett took to her Instagram Stories to address her critics on March 11. She acknowledged the struggles faced by transgender women, stating:
“I want to be clear, I am in no way saying that trans women don’t face adversity or that they don’t deserve a safe space because they absolutely do.”
Moreover, she indicated that her decision was informed by consultations with legal experts, members of the transgender community, and representatives from various minority groups, including Muslim women. Despite her explanations, many remain skeptical and have continued to voice their concerns regarding the gym’s policies.
As of now, details on the official opening date for The Girls Spot remain scant, and no further posts about the controversy have been shared on its Instagram feed.