David Barton gyms seem more well known for their fashionable atmosphere (they refer to the gyms as "clubs" on their website), but they're serious enough to pull in experienced trainers making $100,000 a year. Unfortunately, they don't seem tolerant enough to keep them. Deborah Cooke and Christina Rodino, former David Barton fitness trainers and lesbians, have filed a lawsuit against the chain claiming co-workers frequently used derogatory terms against them.
In 2005, a straight male gym member sued the gym's Chelsea location over the allegedly rampant gay sex going on in the locker rooms, and the gyms have earned a reputation as gay-friendly. However, Cooke claims male trainers frequently asked them for sex, called them "f---ing dykes," and asked her if she "was going to strap on a penis tonight." She also says a general manager had her in his phone under "Dyke Cooke." The two claim they were fired on December 2nd after complaining about the treatment, and were replaced by straight trainers with less experience.
The gym claims they were fired because they were working with outside clients, but Cooke and Rodino say it was a common practice for which the straight trainers were never punished. Barton's lawyer said, "Our client prides itself on its commitment to diversity, freedom of expression and tolerance and it plans to vigourously defend itself against these claims." The two women are seeking damages for lost wages and "shame, humiliation, embarrassment and mental distress."
