A Washington mother has reported an unsettling encounter in a women's locker room at the Lynnwood Recreation Center, stating she observed an adult male showering during a youth swim meet. The incident, which occurred on July 12, has prompted a review of facility policies and reignited discussions about access to sex-segregated spaces.
Maria Varchetto, whose daughter was participating in the swim meet, described the locker room setup as having open shower areas and separate stalls with curtains. She stated that as she walked towards the restrooms, she saw what appeared to be an adult male's exposed penis through a partially open shower curtain. Varchetto reported that the exposure was unintentional and plainly visible as she walked by.
Upon exiting the restroom, Varchetto again observed the individual's genitals visible from the walkway. She then informed the individual, "Excuse me, this is the women's locker room." The person did not respond. Varchetto subsequently reported the situation to the front desk. According to Varchetto, a manager approached the individual and asked, "Excuse me, are you confused? This is the women's locker room." The individual reportedly replied, "I'm trans."
City of Lynnwood communications manager Nathan MacDonald confirmed that staff received a complaint about a self-identifying transgender woman using a shower stall in the women's locker room. He stated that recreation center staff conferred with both parties involved.
MacDonald explained that the Lynnwood Recreation Center facilities comply with Washington Administrative Code 162-32-060, which mandates that all entities allow individuals to use gender-segregated facilities, including locker rooms and dressing rooms, that correspond with their gender expression or gender identity. He added that since the incident, the facilities team has installed new, larger shower curtains and is exploring further modifications to enhance patron privacy.
Varchetto expressed that the experience has made her uncomfortable allowing her daughter to use the women's locker room alone. She now advises her daughter to use one of the limited family locker rooms when not accompanied, a change that has led to families with small children sometimes waiting for access to these facilities.
The incident has drawn attention amid ongoing debates surrounding transgender rights and access to public accommodations. The report notes a separate, earlier incident involving a West Virginia teen who alleged sexual harassment by a transgender athlete in a locker room, which occurred amidst a Supreme Court ruling upholding state laws requiring athletes to compete based on biological sex.