Tish Hyman, a Black lesbian and vocal advocate for women’s spaces, experienced a terrifying vulnerability when a man entered the women’s locker room while she was undressed at a Gold’s Gym. The encounter left her shaken and feeling profoundly unsafe, a moment she detailed in a raw and emotional Facebook post.
She described the man, presenting as male but claiming to be a woman, verbally accosting her and demanding she leave. His words were laced with hostility, a jarring intrusion into a space meant for privacy and security. Gym staff, she alleges, felt powerless to intervene, citing legal constraints.
Following the incident, Hyman’s membership was terminated – not for any wrongdoing on her part, but for defending herself against the harassment. This sparked outrage and fueled her determination to speak out about what she sees as a growing threat to women’s safety and spaces.
The individual involved in the locker room incident was later identified as a convicted domestic abuser, adding another layer of horror to the story. Disturbingly, he had even adopted the name of a woman he had previously assaulted.
Driven by her experience, Hyman directly confronted California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell, demanding a clear stance on the presence of biological males in women’s spaces. She challenged him to unequivocally state his position, but was met with evasive responses focused on general harassment prevention.
“Answer straight! Are you against men in the women’s locker rooms and sports?!” Hyman passionately demanded, her voice rising with frustration. Swalwell’s repeated assertion that “no woman should be harassed” felt like a deliberate avoidance of the core issue.
Hyman’s anger erupted, fueled by a broader concern for the safety of women across the country. She spoke of the alarming number of men currently incarcerated in women’s prisons, and the devastating consequences of those placements. Her message was clear: prioritizing women’s safety must transcend political divides.
She passionately declared that “trans men are not women!” and accused them of perpetrating violence against women. Hyman emphasized the urgent need for unity, urging people to stand on the side of women regardless of political affiliation.
Hyman’s outspokenness didn’t stop with Swalwell. She also confronted State Senator Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, about legislation he has championed. She identified herself as a Black lesbian, directly challenging his policies.
Wiener has previously introduced bills concerning minors and gender-affirming care, and designating California as a sanctuary for children seeking such procedures without parental consent. Hyman vehemently opposed these measures, arguing they endanger vulnerable individuals.
During the confrontation with Wiener, Hyman repeatedly stated her conviction that “trans women are men – NOT women,” before storming out of the room. Her actions represent a powerful and unwavering commitment to protecting women’s spaces and advocating for their safety.
Hyman’s story has resonated with many, sparking a national conversation about the complexities of gender identity, safety, and the rights of women. She has become a symbol for those who believe in the importance of maintaining distinct spaces for women and safeguarding their well-being.
