Transgender gymgoer claims 'discrimination' after being refused Fernwood Fitness membership

A transgender individual has accused a popular women's only gym chain Fernwood of discrimination after claiming to have been denied membership.

As reported by Daily Mail Australia, the would-be member shared a text message appearing purporting to be from a staff member at Fernwood Fitness, a women's only gym franchise with locations across Australia, on a Reddit thread titled 'transgenderau'.

The message, apparently from a Fernwood location in Victoria, advised “I'm sorry, the Fernwood company policy is not inclusive of transgender women.

“Fernwood offers membership only to biologically born females who identify as female. If you wish to discuss this further, please direct questions to our head office.”

The rejected gymgoer asked “I have no idea if this is a known problem I should have seen coming with Fernwood, but it surely seems to be against Victorian discrimination law?

“I've not been out for all that long, this is the first time discrimination has happened so directly and personally, (it) caught me off guard.”

The post quickly generated supportive comments with a number suggesting the gym’s reaction might be illegal.

Commenting on the matter to Australasian Leisure Management, Fernwood Fitness advised "(we) proactively reached out to the person in question to acknowledge her as an individual and to talk about her experience. This outreach was made with genuine care, recognising the personal nature of her enquiry. Fernwood appreciates the courage it can take to enquire about a membership as a transgender woman and acknowledges that the experience may have been hurtful or disappointing. Fernwood Fitness extends its sincere empathy in response.

"At the same time, Fernwood Fitness has a responsibility to consider the needs of its broader member community. A significant number of Fernwood Fitness members come from backgrounds where experiences of domestic violence, sexual assault, cultural beliefs, or religious practices necessitate access to female-only spaces based on sex. For many of these women, such spaces are not a preference but a requirement for their emotional and physical safety and for accessing the health and fitness services they need.

"This is not a reflection on personal identity, but rather a commitment to maintaining the integrity of a space that many women rely on. Fernwood is currently reviewing all relevant legal requirements."

Article updated to include comment from Fernwood Fitness as of 7.30am 14th May 2025.

Lower image: A screenshot of a message from a staff member at Fernwood Fitness apparently rejecting a transgender individual’s membership.