Man stunned after being told his tank top is ‘too gay’ for the gym
JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty
A man has been left stunned after a gym told him his shirt was too gay.
The gym-goer’s shirt caused such controversy that fellow members complained to management that he was allowed to wear the garment.
Jee Leong Koh, who attends SAFRA Mount Faber Club Gym in Singapore, ended up getting a stern word from gym bosses about the outfit.
The ‘offending’ white tank top is emblazoned with the words, ‘gay but not yet equal’ on the front and ‘equality for all’.
Apparently, these slogans are so dastardly that people made a string of complaints.
They accused him of trying to change a sensitive social policy or issue.
Koh, who is usually a poet based in New York, uses the Singapore Armed Forces Reservist Association (SAFRA) gym while visiting the Asian nation.
Eventually, a manager challenged him on the top – saying they had no choice following the complaints.
Taking to Facebook to detail the confrontation, he wrote: He (the manager) also said that ‘the social issue’ was sensitive nationally, and that SAFRA could not allow any social advocacy.
“I explained that I was not trying to change any social policy, but I was just wearing a tank top specially designed by a New York designer.
“I should have also said that I wasn’t standing by the water cooler and passing out flyers, I was just working on my pecs and butt, like other gym users.
“They would not have complained if my tank top had promoted a national heart campaign.
“They were, in fact, complaining about my being gay.”
After a 15 minute talk, the gym agreed to let Koh remain in the outfit.
SAFRA gym told Channel News Asia Koh’s t-shirt did not go against any of the gym’s rules and regulations.
“We have also spoken to the gym users who gave the feedback.
“From our conversation with Mr Koh, we believe there was no intent to cause discomfort to other gym goers so we hope this can be resolved amicably,” SAFRA said.
