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Transgender Woman Says LA Fitness Barred Her From Women's Locker Room

MONTCLAIR (CBSLA.com) — A transgender woman says she was recently disrespected and harassed at an LA Fitness in Montclair.

Yanel Valenzuela told KCAL9's Crystal Cruz that one manager at the health club, located at 9385 Monte Vista Ave., told her she can no longer use the women's locker room.

"It gave me emotional stress," she said. "I don't think it was fair."

Valenzuela said the manager's request came after she had told another employee that she is a transgender woman looking for workout advice catered to her needs.

"I felt hurt because I don't understand why she did it. She had no reason. She had no complaints from anyone," Valenzuela said.

Valenzuela said she showed the manager her California driver's license, which states she's female. She also had a letter from her doctor that said she was born a man but had surgery to become a woman.

"I hope this never happens to anybody again because it's not fair for me to be disrespected in front of clients and the members that come here," Valenzuela said.

Cruz reported that LA Fitness is aware of the situation. An employee stated that management has no comment.

Several female clients said they wouldn't have an issue with Valenzuela using the locker room.

"Everybody's different. Some would be comfortable and some won't. I personally wouldn't have a problem," a woman said.

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