So here is my problem: I have been a loyal member of a local gym for about seven years. I joined in the first year it opened. But last night, the owner told me that he has recently opened a whole new workout area filled with brand new machines - exclusively for women. So I asked him if these women had to pay extra for this privilege. And he said, "No." In disbelief, I asked more specifically, "So I pay the same dues, but I don't get to use the new machines?" And he cheerily replied, "Yes." Now mind you, the owner is a genuinely sweet guy. And I have no doubt that his heart is always in the right place. But he clearly had no idea whatsoever as to why his new policy was unethical. So I asked if I could have a discount since I was not allowed to use all of the gym's equipment, and specifically, I was not allowed to use the gym's BEST equipment. And he seemed puzzled and said, "Your discount is the eye candy that a women's only room attracts." I replied saying, "I'd prefer my discount in the form of cash." And he started to laugh because he obviously thought I was kidding. But I was deadly serious. The he said, "Well, some women feel intimidated by a room full of men and so I set up a place for them to work out." Of course I replied, "Some white supremacists feel intimidated by a roomful of niggers but we deplore that kind of attitude."
Yes, I really said that. I was not pulling any punches and I was supremely pissed off.
But he was unmoved. And so I asked him to please reconsider and he said, "No." So I left my ID card behind and cancelled my membership. I won't pay for the privilege of being a second class citizen.
But how, in America, is this legal? How, after 30+ years of activism, is it possible for a business to treat people differently based on their genders? This really seems to me to be beyond the pale.