Tish Hyman Challenges Gender-Identity Policies After Gym Locker Room Incident
A heated moment broke out at a California town hall when Grammy-nominated artist Tish Hyman confronted State Sen. Scott Wiener about California’s transgender access laws and their impact on women’s-only spaces.
Hyman recently lost her membership at a Gold’s Gym in Los Angeles after she confronted a transgender individual inside the women’s locker room. She shared video of the confrontation with Wiener on X, drawing national attention.
Hyman Says California Laws Endanger Women’s Spaces
Hyman told the crowd she traveled to the event specifically to question Wiener about gender-identity policies.
“I’m a Black lesbian woman, and I was assaulted in the women’s locker room by a self-identified trans woman with a violent criminal history,” she said. “Women want protection. What will you do to keep biological men out of women-only spaces?”
She spoke forcefully and directly, using an active voice throughout her remarks.
Her question immediately shifted the room’s atmosphere.
Wiener Responds, As Crowd Grows Tense
Sen. Wiener appeared caught off guard but responded that “everyone should feel safe” and repeated his long-held view that “trans women are women.”
Audience members reacted with frustration and groans.
Hyman didn’t back down.
“No. They are not,” she replied. “I was assaulted by a man. Women across America are facing these situations, and we’re tired of being ignored.”
Hyman Cites Criminal History of Locker Room Suspect
Hyman highlighted the background of the individual she confronted at Gold’s Gym, stating that the person served a year in prison for a violent attack on an ex-wife.
“She needed reconstructive surgery after that assault,” Hyman said. “This is exactly why women need safe, separate spaces.”
Her remarks drew both support and criticism from the crowd.
Audience Pushes Back, Hyman Stands Firm
Some attendees insisted that transgender women belong in women’s spaces.
Hyman countered sharply:
“I’m a Black lesbian. I’m not transphobic. But I’m telling you what’s happening in these locker rooms. Women are being harassed.”
She warned the crowd not to dismiss her concerns because of political pressure.
“We need real protection, not slogans,” she said.
Wiener Declines to Commit to Policy Change
Sen. Wiener thanked Hyman for speaking but did not offer any change to current laws.
“I respect your perspective,” he said. “We must protect everyone.”
Hyman left the event visibly frustrated.
“You’re not protecting women,” she told the room.
Final Message From Hyman: Protect Women, Not Policies
As she exited, Hyman spoke to another Black woman in the audience.
“Don’t let them use our identity or civil rights to justify dangerous laws,” she said.
She also criticized conditions in women’s prisons, claiming her own sister struggles to access basic hygiene items while gender-transition medication is readily available.
Her comments highlighted a larger debate growing across the nation:
How do lawmakers balance gender-identity protections with the safety and privacy of women in single-sex spaces?
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