Planet Fitness gyms have become the target of multiple bomb threats across several states following a barrage of criticism over their transgender locker room policy. Police in Wayne County, Michigan, confirmed that they received an email threatening six Planet Fitness locations, with two gyms in Detroit and others in Taylor, Livonia, Southgate, and Wayne, as reported by FOX 2 Detroit. The disturbing developments come amid an anti-transgender campaign by right-wing media figures and outlets.
Chaya Raichik's Libs of TikTok (LoTT) has been at the center of a charged campaign against the gym chain's inclusive policy. The account's owner has been added to the Southern Poverty Law Center's database of extremists due to past incitations that led to violent threats against LGBTQ+-friendly organizations and schools. Following LoTT's critique, at least 17 locations, including gyms in Alaska, Rhode Island, Mississippi, Connecticut, and Michigan, reported bomb threats, according to an account from LGBTQ Nation.
While Planet Fitness upholds a "judgement-free zone," complete with a policy that allows members to use facilities that correspond to their self-reported gender identity, the stance has sparked ire from conservative spectators. Media Matters detailed how LoTT kicked off the opposition by sharing a video and emails relating to an incident at a gym location in Fairbanks, Alaska, on March 11. LoTT called for a boycott after the gym reiterated its support for trans-inclusive facilities. OutKick, a Fox Corp. affiliate, and other conservative outlets followed suit, with Media Matters reporting alarming rhetoric from commentators. OutKick's Charly Arnolt made a derogatory statement, suggesting that "if you identify as trans you must have something mentally wrong with you in the first place," as detailed by Media Matters.
The backlash against Planet Fitness mirrors a wider cultural conflict, whereby policies meant to foster inclusivity become a battleground. Despite a formidable tide of online and media censure, echoed in remarks by Matt Walsh of The Daily Wire, who dubbed the policy as "indefensibly stupid, reckless, and dangerous," the gym chain maintains its support for the LGBTQ+ community. This commitment is shown in their partnership with It Gets Better Project and observance of Pride Month. An emailed statement from the Wayne County Police Department highlighted the severity of the threats, quoting, "We're not going to stand idly by as you allow our children to be preyed upon," as obtained by FOX 2 Detroit. As of now, Planet Fitness has yet to release a public statement specifically addressing the bomb threats.
