Fitness entrepreneur Natalee Barnett, better known as Natalee B Fitness, has addressed the backlash surrounding her decision to make her new gym, The Girls Spot, a single-sex space exclusively for biological women. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising her commitment to creating a safe space for women and others criticizing the exclusion of trans women.

In her official statement, Barnett acknowledged the disappointment her decision has caused among some members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. She expressed her understanding of their concerns while reaffirming her stance on the necessity of a women-only gym for biological females.

“I wholeheartedly sympathize with trans women and allies who feel hurt by my recent announcement, and I appreciate that the decision to operate in this way will come as a disappointment to some,” Barnett stated. “The Girls Spot is absolutely committed to ensuring that it is a safe space for biological women, particularly those who have previously been victims of harassment, assault, or overall negative experiences at traditional gyms or feel vulnerable in these spaces.”

Barnett emphasized that her primary goal is to provide a sanctuary for women who have faced challenges in co-ed fitness spaces. The Girls Spot will offer self-defense classes, Muay Thai training, and specialized events and workshops on topics like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and training in alignment with the menstrual cycle.

Barnett made it clear that her decision was not made lightly. She shared that she invested significant time and resources, including seeking legal advice, before reaching this conclusion.

“The decision to have The Girls Spot as a single-sex gym for those biologically female was not an easy one and something that I thought over for many years,” she explained. “It was absolutely not a choice made lightly or out of exclusion or malice, but rather out of my commitment to ensuring a space where women who have experienced trauma, harassment, or discomfort in co-ed gyms can feel at ease. That has always been my mission and drive behind the business.”

Barnett also addressed concerns that her policy implies trans women pose a threat to cisgender women. She insisted that this was never her intention and that she fully supports the right of trans women to have their own safe spaces as well.

“I want to be clear, I am in no way saying that trans women don’t face adversity or that they don’t deserve a safe space because they absolutely do,” she stated. “We’re all entitled to be treated with kindness and respect.”

The announcement has divided opinions, with many supporters applauding Barnett’s stance, while critics argue that inclusivity and safety for cis women do not have to be mutually exclusive.

One supporter commented, “Don’t let the pressure get to you. You’ve done the right thing, girlie!” Another wrote, “Those moaning in the comments should collectively start their own project to open a trans community gym. This was never Natalee’s cause.”

On the other hand, some were disappointed with the decision. One critic wrote, “Trans women being included in a space and that space being safe for cis women are not mutually exclusive. In fact, it’s more likely to be a safe space for more cis women if it’s safe for trans women.”

Another disappointed follower added, “Natalee, I say this as someone who has a lot of respect for you—I’m just very disappointed with your approach on this.”

Some accused Barnett of backtracking on initial claims that The Girls Spot would be inclusive to trans women, stating, “It’s a shame you couldn’t deliver what you initially set out to do, considering people supported you when you were so passionate about it being trans-inclusive.”

Despite the controversy, Barnett remains firm in her decision while also expressing a willingness to continue listening and evolving.

“The Girls Spot is on a long journey, and I will continue to listen, learn, and lend my support for there to be inclusive fitness spaces for all,” she said. “My hope is that every woman, cis and trans, finds a space where they feel secure, strong, and empowered.”