Keegan Burnett identifies as a man. Even though, as he says, he's been crossdressing and wearing make-up and jewelry "all my life," when he wanted to get in shape and joined Slidell (LA) Athletic Club, when he went to use the locker club the first time, he was met with near violent opposition.
I should be able to use the men’s facility because I am legally a man.
--Burnett
Despite the acrylic nails on his hands and feet, and despite the women’s clothes, hair and make-up Keegan identifies himself as a man.
Video is here.
Keegan complained to management, which proceeded to deny him use of either locker room.
I guess I don’t meet the standard of masculinity and they figured that I probably can just go anywhere and use the bathroom but not at their facility.
--Burnett
Ultimately, his complaint cost him his membership to the club.
I think what’s most upsetting is when you have a situation where someone is harassed by individuals and the organization or a company decides to take the side of the people who are doing the harassment.
There should be no way shape or form where someone should be asked to leave a health club or theater or a library or anywhere, restaurant because who they are; or who they’re perceived to be
--Sarah Jane Brady, Forum for Equality
We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.
We wanted Keegan to stay a member, but he felt uncomfortable. We cancelled his membership per his request and issued a refund.
--Tina Clair, Slidell Athletic Club
Clair claims that Keegan wanted to use the women's locker room, which she just couldn't allow.
Keegan denies that claim.
I note that Ms. Clair's idea of not tolerating discrimination would not apparently extend to transgender women.
You have people come in here with purple hair, blue hair, green hair, piercing and tattoos all over. You don’t tell these people anything. I want to let them know that it’s not right. This is 2014; everybody have a right to be who they are.
--Burnett