I went to my gym and used the disabled changing and shower room (it also has a toilet). I have mobility issues and need the aids provided here. The room is between the male and female changing rooms and can be accessed from both sides, so both doors need to be locked from inside.
I locked both doors and was getting ready to shower. While I was inside, I heard men talking on the other side of the door. One tried the handle, it was locked. He said to his friend he wanted to use the room. Another man said ‘there might already be someone in there because the door is locked’. The first man then said words to the effect of, ‘Nah, fuck the women, it’s been left locked. I’m going in there’.
Seconds later, I watched the lock unwind as it was being manipulated from the outside. He opened the door while I was inside in my swimwear. He was surprised to see me in there. I shouted at him to get out, got dressed and reported it immediately.
The gym has investigated. They’ve accepted the member accessed the disabled changing room inappropriately but they are not banning him. They say he has been spoken to and warned not to use that facility again.
They’ve also said they are replacing the locks to something more up to date than the current basic lock, and reviewing the signage on the doors.
I’m glad they’re changing the locks, but I’m angry that this is being partly framed around confusion, signage and lock issues
He was warned someone might be inside. The door was locked.
He could have knocked and waited. Instead, he chose to interfere with a locked private changing room door and enter.
I’m left feeling pretty upset and a bit traumatised by the whole incident. I really don’t want to bump into him again in the gym As he’s quite intimidating. I’ve seen him in the gym, he’s quite loud and has a certain vibe about him.
I also found out there have been previous issues with this changing room setup, which makes me even more concerned.
AIBU to expect stronger action from the gym, and to feel that a warning is not enough in these circumstances?
ideally I’d like to see him banned as it was an accident.
(The gym have confirmed he is not disabled and should not be using the disabled facilities).