Controversy broke out over anti-gay posters at a gym in HSR Layout, Bengaluru. Jim apologized after the derogatory use of the word ‘gay’ sparked outrage on social media.
Bengaluru A poster put up in a gym in the city’s HSR Layout has been accused of spreading serious homophobia. There is tremendous anger on social media over the mocking use of the word ‘gay’ in the poster. The matter heated up when a customer of the gym shared the picture of the poster inside on Reddit.
‘Is this respect for public places?’
The photo was shared with the caption: “Blatant homophobia in a gym in HSR; can’t believe it’s true.” The poster read, “Gay people don’t keep weight back on. Are you like that too?” (Gays can’t re-rack the weights. Are you?). People were displeased to use the word ‘gay’ in such a joking manner. The person who shared the photo on Reddit reacted sharply. He wrote, “I know that leaving the weight here and there after use is a problem for everyone. But using the word ‘gay’ as an abuse for this is shocking. It was not expected at all that such discrimination would be shown so proudly in a public place.”
‘No brain, just muscles’
Social media users also said that it is absolutely wrong to post a message insulting any one community in a place where people come for fitness and health. Many people raised their voice against the gym management, saying that the language of the poster is derogatory and it is necessary to change such thinking. Most people believed that the use of such language was extremely objectionable and such behavior could not be expected from a well-known institution.
Critics called it culturally and socially backward thinking. One Reddit user wrote, “This proves that most gym owners are not educated. They have no brains, just muscles.” After the protest over the poster increased, the gym management apologized. He said that it was a mistake by his creative team and he did not intend to hurt any community. He said in his message that he respects the dignity of every person and thanks those who help in correcting the mistake.