A mother reported an incident where an adult male was seen showering in the women's locker room at the Lynnwood Recreation Center on July 12, during a children's swim meet. The encounter has reignited discussions regarding access to sex-segregated facilities.
Lynnwood Recreation Center Incident Details
Maria Varchetto, whose daughter was participating in a swim meet at the Seattle-area facility, stated that she entered the women's locker room to use the restroom. She observed what appeared to be an adult male's exposed genitals through a gap in a shower curtain. The locker room features an open shower area and private stalls with curtains.
Varchetto reported that the shower curtains were insufficient, often sliding open. She initially proceeded to the restroom but upon exiting, saw the individual's genitals again visible from the walkway. At this point, she informed the person it was the women's locker room.
Following the encounter, Varchetto approached the front desk to report the situation. According to her account, management intervened and spoke with the individual, who reportedly stated, "I'm trans." The manager then departed the locker room.
Official Response and Policy
Nathan MacDonald, manager of communications and public affairs for the City of Lynnwood, confirmed that staff received a complaint about a self-identifying trans woman using a shower stall in the women's locker room. He stated that the Lynnwood Recreation Center facilities are in compliance with Washington Administrative Code 162-32-060, which mandates that entities allow individuals to use gender-segregated facilities corresponding with their gender expression or identity.
MacDonald also noted that subsequent to the incident, the facilities team has installed new, full-sized shower curtains in the locker rooms and is considering additional modifications to enhance patron privacy.
Impact on Facility Use
Varchetto expressed that her family has enjoyed the Lynnwood Recreation Center but no longer feels comfortable with her daughter using the women's locker room unaccompanied. She has instructed her daughter to use the family locker rooms instead, but this often leads to longer waits for families with young children.
