#gyms

Data supports the lived experiences of many femme presenting and queer folx who feel unsafe at gyms. So, what is there to do to contribute to making these spaces safer?

If you see someone being harassed and they are your acquaintance, ask in private about what is going on to check if it is indeed what you believed you saw, and if it is inappropriate, tell this person that they have your support. For example, you can call this person to other parts of the gym as if you wanted to say something or need help with an exercise. Tell them that they can be your training partner⁠ or even go in a group; numbers intimidate harassers who tend to pick their victims when they are by themselves.

If you know the harasser and have a somewhat non-aggressive⁠ relationship⁠ with them, explain that what they are doing to others is not right and that they should stop and do better... If you don’t know anyone involved, you still can step in. Try to use the machine, and ask for a train on it while they rest from their series. Try to engage in small talk or pretend that you need help understanding what you have to do from your training schedule since many are unfamiliar with the names of the exercises and machines.

The victim may try to make eye contact with you, even indicating that something isn’t right or that they aren’t very comfortable; if you see an opening, tell them that they can call you up if there are any difficulties with their training program if the target of harassment needs someone to load the weights in the equipment or rack them to where they belong. Remember that harassers like to isolate their prey, so they avoid duos or groups. If you don’t feel comfortable mentioning the harassment, let them know that you are available to help whenever they need it.

If you, yourself, are being harassed, there is a range of possible responses to harassment. Click the link below to learn or brush up on approaches to take if you are ever in a situation where you or another person at the gym is being harassed.

Who wants to listen to propaganda in the doctor's office?

Cat gym. Doggies And Pussies. 1927.