Virgin Active Implements ‘Biological Sex’ Policy, Excluding Transgender People from Gender-Aligned Changing Rooms

Virgin Active, one of the UK’s largest gym chains, has updated its club rules to require all members and guests to use changing rooms and bathrooms that align with their “biological sex,” a move that will prevent transgender people from accessing facilities corresponding to their gender identity. The changes were communicated to customers via email and have been widely reported and discussed across social media and mainstream news platforms .

The new policy specifies that customers must use facilities designated for “male” or “female” based on their biological sex, as outlined in Section 8 of Virgin Active’s updated Club Rules . This change follows a recent UK Supreme Court judgement, "For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers", which stated that the Equality Act 2010’s definition of “sex” refers to “biological sex” and the term “women” to “biological women” .

While the Supreme Court ruling is not legally binding across all contexts, it has been cited by several organizations, including the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), as justification for restricting access to gendered spaces for transgender people . Virgin Active’s policy update comes amid increased legal scrutiny and public debate over trans inclusion in single-sex spaces.

The gym chain’s decision follows a reported legal threat from a television presenter, who argued that allowing trans women to use women’s changing rooms was in breach of the law . In its communication to customers, Virgin Active stated that the changes were made “to comply with the law,” referencing the recent court ruling .

The policy shift has triggered swift and vocal responses from LGBTQ+ groups, equality campaigners, and many Virgin Active members. Critics argue that the policy will disproportionately impact transgender people, forcing them to use facilities where they may face discomfort, distress, or discrimination . Advocacy organizations emphasize that such restrictions undermine the dignity, privacy, and safety of transgender individuals, and may discourage them from accessing health and fitness facilities altogether.

LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall has previously warned that excluding transgender people from single-sex spaces can increase their vulnerability and isolation, while also sending a message that their identities are not recognized or respected . Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), have seen a surge in posts from members expressing frustration and sharing concerns about the practical and emotional consequences of the decision .

Virgin Active’s updated club rules now explicitly state: “Members and visitors who use a changing room marked as ‘male’ or ‘female’ must select the one that matches their biological sex” . The company claims the change is a direct response to “recent guidance and legal developments.” Additional policies regarding the use of facilities for junior members, safeguarding, and supervision remain unchanged.

As of publication, Virgin Active has not issued a public statement addressing the specific concerns raised by transgender members or outlining any accommodations for non-binary individuals. The company’s approach aligns with a broader trend of organizations re-evaluating their policies on gendered spaces in light of evolving legal interpretations of the Equality Act 2010 .

This policy change at Virgin Active comes at a time of heightened debate over the rights of transgender people in the UK. Many LGBTQ+ advocates and community leaders argue that restricting access to facilities based on “biological sex” rather than gender identity is out of step with best practices for inclusion and equality, and risks marginalizing trans people further . They point to guidance from international health and human rights organizations recommending that individuals be allowed to access spaces consistent with their lived gender.

The developments at Virgin Active are seen by some as indicative of a broader rollback in trans rights in the UK, with potential ripple effects for other businesses and institutions. Advocacy groups are calling for urgent dialogue with policymakers, businesses, and affected communities to ensure that the rights and safety of all people are protected.

Virgin Active members and LGBTQ+ advocates are urging the company to reconsider its approach, highlighting the importance of creating welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone, regardless of gender identity.