A Washington mother encountered an adult biological male showering in a women’s locker room during a children’s swim meet at a Seattle-area recreation center, reigniting concerns about policies that grant unrestricted access to sex-segregated facilities based solely on gender identity.

Incident at Children’s Swim Event

Maria Varchetto was attending her daughter’s swim meet at Lynnwood Recreation Center on July 12 when she entered the women’s locker room. While walking toward the restrooms, she observed what she described as an adult male’s exposed genitals visible through gaps in a shower curtain. The facility’s shower stalls feature curtains that are too narrow for the openings, leaving sight lines from the walkway where children and families pass regularly.

Varchetto initially continued to the restroom, uncertain how to respond. Upon exiting and seeing a mother with her young daughter washing hands nearby, she decided to speak up. She approached the shower area and said directly to the individual: “Excuse me, this is the women’s locker room.” The person did not respond to her statement.

Recreation Center Response

After Varchetto reported the incident, a facility manager approached the individual and asked if they were confused about which locker room they had entered. The person responded only by stating, “I’m trans.” The manager then departed without taking further action. Nathan MacDonald, manager of communications for the City of Lynnwood, confirmed staff received a complaint about a self-identifying transgender woman using a shower stall in the women’s locker room and conferred with both parties involved.

Safety Concerns for Families

Varchetto expressed that her family regularly uses the Lynnwood Recreation Center but the experience has fundamentally changed how she approaches her daughter’s safety. She no longer allows her daughter to use the women’s locker room unsupervised. Instead, she directs her to use family locker rooms when she cannot accompany her. Her daughter reportedly feels guilty using these facilities because only a handful exist, and families with small children often wait to access them. The incident raises questions about balancing competing rights and safety expectations in public spaces where children change and shower.