California Personal Trainer Scolds "fxxking Gay"

[steelwings]

wtf....

am i reading this 'apology' correctly?

and he is letting it go, just like that?

wtf!

[happiness]

Based on Califonia Fitness's reply, it seems that the incident did indeed occur and they just apologise so that this incident would not be posted on forums.

"we will conclude that the issue at hand has been resolved and the matter has been closed. ... kindly remove/delete (what you wrote about this incident at forums) since the issue at hand has been resolved."

It doesn't feel like an apology.

[passby]

If you accept this "kind" of apology, you are just like what they scolded u correctly - fxcking gay....

And you have consented and cordon the discrimination and actions of these people, history will repeat itself again in future.

This is no apology, pursue it to the news and social media, let the public give a fair judgement.

What is internal action? Have you witness it? I do not know what goodies were thrown at you in this "apology" to bribe their way thru... Whatever it is, CF should do more and apologize publicly, only then will the entire CF realise the pain, and who is the pay master !

Relating the incident again may be hurtful and embarrassing but remember you have to make the impact felt to all these bunch of idiots who hurt you and all of the community.

You only have this one chance to do justice, just do it....

[Happydaz]

At the other forum (Trevvy) we now know that California Fitness' responded (I quote the victim's post below):

Have they resolved the incident? No proof. Just a simple reply doesn't prove anything. Luckily, I have not join their club. Sincerity = 0%

[Guest Deen]

Pardon if my English is not powerful enough to understand the reply from CF but i still do not see which part of the letter that CF have make any apology to you.

They are just trying to save their reputation instead of being sincere in their action.

I was just about to sign on to CF but have totally change my mine now and will check out other gyms instead.

CF will be closed if all the gay guys terminate their membership there.

[passby]

Their reply is too high and almighty, shouldn't CF be more humble?

At least IMO, even if they have had re-apologize now, it doesn't help much... They need to be hum-tam hard....

[deceptiveeyes.deceivingminds]

A lot of businesses once small and after becoming big tend to forget who their paymasters are....

I would say if all gay men and women are to stand firm together against CA, they would lose a substantial business in Singapore and around the world when people are made aware of the atrocious incident.

This isn't just about sexual orientation but pure bully and acts of prejudices!

If anyone of you are related to any other gyms aside from California..this is a good time now to snatch customers away from them. Put an ad up! Put up a membership drive titled "XXX Gym, for fitness and friendship - regardless of colour, size and orientation".

The sloppy response from CA is a crying shame and must have been penned by some green horns in PR. No sense of remorse and no sense of shame and all they care about is "please delete what you may have posted in other forum".

Once my membership is up with them. I will not continue.

And I feel it is vital to identify that trainer - gay or straight - don't hire his services!

[passby]

In fact this issue should be taken with CF HQ in US (I assume) and international GLBT organization to let them know how CF as a business is NOT in best practice....

[superflawless]

California Gym is very very homophobic.

One the subject of hogging the machine with files, their personal trainers are notorious for doing this.

Most incorrigible.

If it's not because I have a platinum card membership with Cali (where I do not have to pay a single cent every month but only $8.something a year), I would have left California long time ago.

I do not go to the Orchard branch for years because their trainer, the old guy Augustine Lee, was very rude to me a few years back.

I always stack back the weights and I was using the back machines on the top most floor (where they used to be at opposite cineleisure). There was another lady there. As I was walking down to the 2nd floor, Augustine accused me of not stacking the weights back. I refuted what e said, ran back up to ask the lady and she verified that I am a good gym member and always stacked back the weights. I was flabbergasted that Augustine was eyeing me from a distant and trying to find fault with me. Thank goodness for the lady who was my witness.

[superflawless]

Before you guys start blowing up this incident, I suggest you look deeper into the issue.

Firstly, the complainant (to CF) must have been exhibiting his "gayness" openly during his past visits, perhaps unintentionally and even without his knowledge. And if you are gay: you are gay.

It is true that the Fitness Centre has seen alot of Macho Maries and this is an issue.

For the straight community, it is rather disgusting to see muscular men bahaving otherwise. And lets admit the fact that most gays have their "give-aways".

What the hell are you talking about! You are a nimwit!

Gay slurs should not be tolerated at all. What do you mean, if you are a gay, or exhibit mannerisms of gayness, you should be callowed "fcuking gay" 3 times. You are such an imbecile!

[superflawless]

I just spoke to "Chris" and she said that she's looking into this and the management is taking a serious view in regards to this complaint. But she did add that certain "cultures" are hard to abolish. I reminded her that it all depends on the management, top down.

If this is tolerated, then no member will feel safe going to Cali. If the culture is where the PTs can abuse the members (or vice versa), then it is not a positive, conducive place to work out.

I would not go back there no matter how great the machines are.

[Guest guest]

I just spoke to "Chris" and she said that she's looking into this and the management is taking a serious view in regards to this complaint. But she did add that certain "cultures" are hard to abolish. I reminded her that it all depends on the management, top down.

If this is tolerated, then no member will feel safe going to Cali. If the culture is where the PTs can abuse the members (or vice versa), then it is not a positive, conducive place to work out.

I would not go back there no matter how great the machines are.

:clap: :clap: :thumb:

[Guest Guest]

I just spoke to "Chris" and she said that she's looking into this and the management is taking a serious view in regards to this complaint. But she did add that certain "cultures" are hard to abolish. I reminded her that it all depends on the management, top down.

If this is tolerated, then no member will feel safe going to Cali. If the culture is where the PTs can abuse the members (or vice versa), then it is not a positive, conducive place to work out.

I would not go back there no matter how great the machines are.

It is sad to hear Chris, Membership Realtionship Manager saying that.

This reminds me of an incident in another gym when an instructor approached a member to ask him to refrain from shouting vulgarities. The member told the instructor that "Sorril, habit already. Difficult to change". This continued for a while until someone called for the police.

Chris, we(straight or guy) are asking for a certain level of respect and civility.

Even if a staff mentioned the word "fxxking" without any gay slur is deemed as not appropriate.

[Guest Guest]

There is a Facebook group created to demand that California Fitness (Singapore) provide an account and explanation of the alleged anti-gay remarks made by its staff at its Orchard Road branch. If it is true that their staff really made anti-gay remarks from the customers who pay their salary, then I think we should support this group and call for accountability and official apology to the LGBT community from the Management and staff of California Fitness (Singapore):

http://www.facebook....6872306?sk=wall

[Guest Guest]

Here is the link to the Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/BoycottCaliforniaFitnessSingapore/231445816872306?sk=wall

[Guest SAM Murai]

I had a flashback this week and wanted to bury it.

I decided to come forth with my own story after reading all the responses, especially 'Chris'.

About 3 to 4 yrs ago, between 2 to 3 pm in the afternoon, on a weekday.

I was on the 2nd level(the former building before they moved to Taka).

As I was at one of the (bicep/tricep curls) machine(outside the trainers'office), I heard a trainer uttered a gay slur.

It was soft but audible. I was about 5 to 6 ft away from him and I looked up. He has a smirk on his face. There was nobody around. I was shocked and angry. Then I went downstairs to the office (1st level which was next to the elevator) to look for the manager. She was not there. I decided to identify him by going thru the trainers' profile posted outside the office on the 2nd level and the huge poster downstairs (at the grand staircase). I went back on the same week (in the evening) to speak to the manager. I was so angry that I forgot his name. I blurted out "he looks like a goldfish(bcoz he has slightly protruding eyes)". The manager was quite amused. I recollected myself and told her his name, initial 'K'. She said she would remind the staff.

After that, I continued my workout as usual but I was so cautious(and a little fearful) not to bump into that trainer.

(Please forgive me for what I have to say later coz I was trying to be as exact to what was going thru my mind at that moment). This trainer has the presence of Mark Lee and the impression of 'the Toad' in X-Men. A bit 'beng' and gangster-like.

If he's on that particular floor, I would avoid him and move to another floor because I did not know want to expect from him(the bully) and I did not want to put myself(the victim) in a position to be ridicule again. I would hope that he was off or not there so I could have a peaceful workout. He was but one of the reasons I terminated my membership coz I did not feel safe at all.

If this was handled professionally and seriously at that time, it would not have resurfaced now.

I just want my story to be told and hope something good would come out of this.

An apology is useless without the following - Awareness, Re-education, Respect and Sensitivity.

In Rodney King's famous word - "Can't we all get along together?"

[kh87]

hiya. Dun go CF la.. Must as well use condo gym.

No people.

[superflawless]

No people, no maintenance, no machines too.

[Guest imseeker]

The trainer's identity - Kim Lim?

http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Kim-Lim/100000468571917

[Guest Guest]

No people, no maintenance, no machines too.

Which condo u stay ? So lousy one

[Guest Advise]

If u got ball jus make a police report if no just keep quiet don't complaint here n there....

[superflawless]

If u got ball jus make a police report if no just keep quiet don't complaint here n there....

We have another Guest. LOL

Nothing to do with balls lah.

The QX of Singapore wouldn't do anything.

They are completely useless. But that does not mean the victim cannot seek recourse from other sources.

We should rally around our own kind. Instead, I see so many malicious posts condemning the victim. Really despicable.

Edited June 4, 2011 by superflawless

[superflawless]

Which condo u stay ? So lousy one

All condo gyms are lousy lah. Never ever saw a Smith machine in any condo gyms. But maybe your standard is lower. Cannot blame you.

Do you even know what is a Smith Machine? LOL

Now, I didn't want to be bitchy. But remember, you started it first.

Edited June 4, 2011 by superflawless

[Guest imseeker]

Whoever in California Fitness who drafted that reply is a BIG idiot.

It's an admission of liability!

Police report is unlikely to produce results, eg. prosecution.

Time for the victim to engage a lawyer and threaten to sue based on verbal assault.

(Not harrassment, because it's an isolated incident (not multiple incidents).

Not defamation, cos the 'gay' part is true!)

Also, since California Fitness themselves admitted to the incident, there's nothing to prevent this incident from being publicised further, maybe even to international press.

[snowball]

i think is up to individual, to most people, if not happen to oneself,

no pain no feel, believe most gay that workout in cali won't really bother at all.

also i think depends to the branch too, some PTs are nice,

however i happen to see a few times when PT placed their Personal Training Dairy on top of the machine or the seat.

[Guest Guest]

All condo gyms are lousy lah. Never ever saw a Smith machine in any condo gyms. But maybe your standard is lower. Cannot blame you.

Do you even know what is a Smith Machine? LOL

Now, I didn't want to be bitchy. But remember, you started it first.

Haha to me I stay in 5 star condo in town so the machine quite gd unless u r low class pp but expect high standard then different story lol

[Guest david]

The california gym member, who was intimidated & victimised, should really make a police report. It's not a matter of 'balls', it's to make a record to protect himself - whereby in the near future, he may be threatened again or beaten up w/in the premises of the gym or outside, by the similar group of people or otherwise.

[Guest SAM Murai]

The california gym member, who was intimidated & victimised, should really make a police report. It's not a matter of 'balls', it's to make a record to protect himself - whereby in the near future, he may be threatened again or beaten up w/in the premises of the gym or outside, by the similar group of people or otherwise.

Its true. This is not so much to 'get back'at anybody. It is to protect yourself in case (touch wood) you kenna bashed on your way out or before you reach home. There's some lead for the police. They would be able to establish a motive.

Just go to Tanglin Police Station and bring along all your correspondence, your IC. The Duty Officer would be able to type out the report on your behalf. The email you wrote has so much details and is as good as a Police Report. It would take about 30 mins to 45 mins. You could also got to SPF(singapore Police Force) website and log in under EPC(Electronic Police Center) under Crime Reporting. The IO (Investigating Officer) would get back to you asap. In case you are harassed again by other trainers or given funny look or nasty stare, you have something to build on. It's call Building a Case(to be used for future legal prosecution). It's like your Personal Security Insurance.

The Police are very friendly and helpful nowadays. They are also very customer service orientated.

I spoke to the Police yesterday and painted a similar scenario(with no names mentioned). They told me that they would be glad to come down. Once there, they would take down all ID and keyed in as a First Information Report. If you wish to pursue this matter, you could lodge a police report (as mentioned above)and used it to file a magistrate complaint.

This is to let you know your rights. I know the victim is a nice and forgiving person and I am glad that there is 'some kind of 'closure to this incident. I also hope this would be the last.

Have courage and be strong.

[Guest SAM Murai]

i think is up to individual, to most people, if not happen to oneself,

no pain no feel, believe most gay that workout in cali won't really bother at all.

also i think depends to the branch too, some PTs are nice,

however i happen to see a few times when PT placed their Personal Training Dairy on top of the machine or the seat.

To be fair, I would say most of them(recepts, trainers, towel staffs, etc)are nice.

Overall, Bugis is the best(my own opinion).

It would be good for the victim to switch to another location to have a change of scene and to heal.

And also dun get too sensitive. Good to listen to IPOD while training.

Would be great if he could get someone(a friend or buddy) to train with him.

[Guest Guest]

"we will conclude that the issue at hand has been resolved and the matter has been closed. ... kindly remove/delete (what you wrote about this incident at forums) since the issue at hand has been resolved."

It doesn't feel like an apology.

it should be done over the newspaper or the trainer n involved personnel should apologize to the victim personally !!!

[Guest Happylark]

it's funny how the people who called the original thread starter a diva, spoilt, whiny baby etc stopped blabbering already.

[Guest SAM Murai]

it's funny how the people who called the original thread starter a diva, spoilt, whiny baby etc stopped blabbering already.

Dun blame them lah. I hope they learnt something thru this unfortunate incident

If you were to read the original report posted in TREVVY, you would know that it's true.

There were so much Info and Specfic details like time, date, surroundings, charcacters, descriptions, etc.

If it's a hoax, it would not be that specific and there would be some vague detailsor 'smoke' in the story.

We would not be discussing this if the victim had called the police to resolve this on the spot.

This could also happened in other gyms in Singapore

It would be good to share those stories to raise awareness.

We also have to do our part, to conduct ourselves in a proper and respectful manner, in public/private gym.

[Guest guest]

Latest news I read from Trevvy:

I have replied to California Fitness apology email this morning and hope that they will reply my queries instead of just giving me a standard answer.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear California Fitness Singapore

1. May I know what corrective measures have been taken against the staff involved?

2. What precautionary measures have been taken to prevent similar incident from happening like staff reserving machine and using vulgarity and labelling member as 'gay' or 'fu*king gay"?

3. Can California Fitness give assurance that your staff will not harass or mock at me and nothing will happen to me if I go to California Fitness again?

These information will help me to regain my confidence to go to California Fitness again.

Thank you.

Regards

Mr W

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest SAM Murai]

Latest news I read from Trevvy:

I think I need to clarify this misunderstanding(Pls post this on Trevvy).

I was an ex-Cali member for more than 8 yrs.

Last week, I called Cali when I saw this thread. I wanted to get the names of the person who could address this unfortunate incident. I also left my contact no.

A day later, I received a call from the Country Manager and explained to him I was not a friend of the victim Mr W and I came across this in the BW Forum and hoped Cali could respond to all the specualtions. This was to be fair coz we were only hearing one side of the story. If this was a hoax, it would be good for Cali to make a Police Report.

Later when I saw someone posted Collin's email address, I alerted the Country Manager again to hope they could resolve this amicably. He said he would leave it to the Chris.

Incidentally, I had a flashback and found out I was also a victim in the past. I decided not to tell my story coz I would like to hear Cali's response.

After reading the response, I decided to go forth with my story to bring awareness to this issue.

I tried calling Chris & the Country Manager an hour to clarify this but to no avail.

It would be good for Mr W to call or go to the Head Office personally to speak to them face-to-face.

It would be also wise to file a Police Report. You could also include that Cali already reponded(to be fair to all parties)

FYI.

[Guest SAM Murai]

(Pls post this on TREVVY, Tks)

I spoke to Chris of Cali(forthe 1st time)a few mins ago.

I clarified the following:

1. that I m not a friend of Mr W; Chris mentioned Mr W did not call or speak them in person but only via email.

BW members/guests are concerned about this unfortunate incident but the 2 parties involved are Mr W & Cali.

It would be good for Mr W to contact Cali to meet up with them personally. If you are uncomfortable to go to

the Hd Office, may I suggest a venue outside that Mr W is comfortable with. Mr W could also bring along a friend.

Ultimately, Mr W need to muster the courage to address this youself.

2. I also highlighted that the reply from Chris 'to ask Mr W to delete further postings'. I told her it's a form of

censorship. It would be better for Mr W or any existing member or the public to email Chris directly at

chriskok@californiafitness.com should they have any concern about recurrence or prevention of such incident in the future.

Hogging is very common nowadays. Just to share with my experience:

1. I would wait for a while(sometimes up to 30 mins). In the mean time, I would move on to other machines/stations.

2. I would ask myself 'Do I need to use this machine today?' If the answer is Yes, I would approach any staff I could get

hold of to alert them so they could assist me.

3. If I take the liberty to remove the object on the machine and while I am using it, the hogger shows up to tell

me he/she wants to use it. I would explain that I waited for quite a while for him/her to return. I even approached

the gym staff. I would also appreciate if he/she would be able to give me another 5 mins to complete my cycle. Once

finished, I would alert him/her.

[Guest imseeker]

If this incident happened in the Filippines, the victim will return with a few guys armed with AK47s and flatten the whole place.

[Guest SAM Murai]

(Pls post this on Trevvy, Tks!)

Almost forgot this crucial detail:

I asked about the reply that 'CM spoke to Mr W'. She admitted that it was an error.

I spoke to CM(twice. he called me once; I called him back). A case of mistaken identity.

It would be good for Chris to address this in her email to Mr W or

for Mr W to email Chris to clarify with Chris.

[Guest Bryan]

~After reading all the grievances!!!!!!~ Maybe u guys may wanna try a new gay gym called Just Men Gym along Neil Road.....

It may not be as big as Cali, but at least u guys can workout with ease & a peace of mind!!!!! :thumb: Anyway, u can check them out at their website www.justmengym.com :clap: Btw, u guys have a gud & pleasant workout ya!!!!!!... Cheers!!!!!

[Guest Guest]

If this incident happened in the Filippines, the victim will return with a few guys armed with AK47s and flatten the whole place.

Is that how you settle things in Philippines?? An eye for an eye, more blood for blood?? It's so lucky that we do not do it that way here.

[Guest imseeker]

Is that how you settle things in Philippines?? An eye for an eye, more blood for blood?? It's so lucky that we do not do it that way here.

WTF, lighten up la! Can't you tell the original post was tongue-in-cheek??

[Guest imseeker]

~After reading all the grievances!!!!!!~ Maybe u guys may wanna try a new gay gym called Just Men Gym along Neil Road.....

It may not be as big as Cali, but at least u guys can workout with ease & a peace of mind!!!!! :thumb: Anyway, u can check them out at their website www.justmengym.com :clap: Btw, u guys have a gud & pleasant workout ya!!!!!!... Cheers!!!!!

only thing is, Just Men Gym opens on weekends only... but at least better than no option...

[Guest Guest]

"These information will help me to regain my confidence to go to California Fitness again."

So after all that has happened to you, you die die must go there again, you got pride or not?

[Guest passingthru]

Wow, I even found it in Temasek Review: http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/06/06/open-letter-to-california-fitness/

[Guest guest]

Wow, I even found it in Temasek Review: http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/06/06/open-letter-to-california-fitness/

wow

[Guest Guest]

Wow, I even found it in Temasek Review: http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/06/06/open-letter-to-california-fitness/

Oh no ~~~ no wonder people said 宁可得罪小人,不可得罪女人 The correct channel is to file the complaint via AWARE ~ show CF the Girl Power !

[No Frills Factory Outlet]

At the other forum (Trevvy) we now know that California Fitness' responded (I quote the victim's post below):

sure but not sincere.

who are they to conclude that this issue is closed ? Should it not be the victim ?

lol

[Guest Anti Bian tai]

Please moderator, to continue allow guests to post. Being gay is very hard in this world where we r discriminated. Therefore, I dun dare to register myself but find blowingwind a nice forum since no registration is needed. There will be straight men who are so damn bored and nothing better to do than to come to gay forum and insult us. Let them be. In fact, I pity them

So please...

seriously, people like this makes me wanna reconsider allowing guest posting.

[Guest Lina Baey]

Please moderator, to continue allow guests to post. Being gay is very hard in this world where we r discriminated. Therefore, I dun dare to register myself but find blowingwind a nice forum since no registration is needed. There will be straight men who are so damn bored and nothing better to do than to come to gay forum and insult us. Let them be. In fact, I pity them

So please...

why squeam like a woman? undeveloped EQ?

[Guest Yu]

why squeam like a woman? undeveloped EQ?

Sis.. R u at the right department?

[oralb]

I find it puzzling that the person had complained to everyone, (BW/ Trevvy/ even TR?) EXCEPT the police.

It has been stated many times using the word "F***ing" is chargable in court. Rather than sticking through the whole ordeal waiting for CF to come out with a reply (BTW what kind of reply would satisfy you) why not just lodge a police report?