Chapter Twenty

Trent

S ix months later.

Local radio station in Boston.

Johnny: Welcome back to “What’s up Boston?” Those of you listening on your morning commute, beware of the traffic on I-95 as the kids returned to school this week. If you’re stuck, you’ll get to listen to the guy who became an internet sensation and an instant idol in Boston’s rainbow circles. Let’s welcome the big man with even bigger dreams who brought hope and safe space to a huge community of people: Trent Lockwood, the man behind Barbell-ella , the queer-friendly gym.

Trent: Hi, thanks for having me.

Johnny: So Trent, tell us about your new gym? You’ve been super active on social media and people are very excited about your ideas.

Trent: It will be a place where everyone would feel welcome. We have a strict no-hate policy and created amenities that should cater to everyone, including safe gender-neutral bathrooms, separate shower stalls and changing spaces. We collaborated with disabled people to include, at times, even design, equipment that would allow them to break a sweat over the workout and not figuring out how to use stuff designed for able-bodied people. Those are only the most basic things we took into consideration.

Johnny: Correct me if I’m wrong, but you were using “we” as plural, right?

Trent: Yes, because the gym would remain just my dream if not for the help of an entire legion of people. First of all, none of this would be possible without the love of my life, Charlie, my friends Sabrina and Trixie, my sister, Louise, who’s the brains behind the paperwork, and the wonderful people who have donated money, materials, and labor so this project would take off the ground. It was an absolute honor to watch the LGBTQIA+ community rise to help in such an immense way.

Johnny: That brings me to ask about the accusations thrown at you that you’ve used people for your gain.

Trent: I understand the concern, so let me clear it up a bit. Everyone who helped will be paid at the rate they’d normally charge for their work plus late fees when the place gets off the ground. That’s not based on me giving my word or shaking a hand. We’ve drawn contracts with the contractors I used to work with who turned out bigger allies than I’d ever expected, and every single person who had offered help. They also get free membership and coaching for life.

Johnny: That’s a few dozen people who won’t have to pay to get ripped. Aren’t you afraid of losing that money?

Trent: No. They already poured their sweat and tears into making this gym a reality, so it’s as much theirs as mine at this point. I’d love to see them using the gym as a community meeting spot.

We’re welcoming anyone at any stage of fitness, any gender identity, and race. There are rooms for meditation, prayer, and a quiet room to take a break and gather thoughts or calm down. We’re working on plans to accommodate different kinds of needs and guide dogs. The gym is far from perfect, but the entire staff is eager to learn and we’re open to changing anything that would improve the place, whether it would be equipment or vibe.

My dream was to create a safe space for everyone who struggled to find an inclusive gym, or has never used one for fear of homophobia, misogyny, racism, or xenophobia. I mentioned our strict policy and I’m not above banning people. The idea is to leave the facade, whatever people around you expect you to look like or be at the door, and come in to celebrate your true self.

Johnny: Those who are listening can hear how passionate you’re about the project, but I can see it on your face and in the branded pink t-shirt you’re wearing. Your viral video mentioned the branding, including pink towels. Can you tell me more about that?

Trent: It started with a running joke. I used to get a pink gym bottle and exercise bands so guys wouldn’t mistakenly take my stuff at the gym I used to go to. So when the idea of opening my own place brewed, I told Charlie it will have to have pink towels. I was so excited that when I signed the lease; I bought a pack of towels the same day and recorded a video. People found something in the message that spoke to them. I was incredibly lucky.

Johnny: You’re the owner, but you put a woman on the logo. Was it a marketing ploy?

Trent: Yes and no. A man looking like me feeds a gym-bro stereotype that my place is trying to break. If you’d be ashamed to wear our signature pink t-shirt with a logo of a ripped woman waving a rainbow flag, then you probably wouldn’t enjoy our gym. As simple as that.

Johnny: You’ve used gyms before starting your own. I understand you wanted to create something different from what you knew, but was any of the motivation coming from your fiancé? To those who’d been living under a rock, Trent is in a relationship with the leader of the newest hit band on rock charts, 77 Rotary Road , Charlie Murray, who is an out and proud trans dude.

Trent: Yes, in a big way. Charlie opened my eyes, gripped me by the heart, and kicked my butt within months of us reconnecting after over a decade. He’d been my inspiration and his perspective helped me shape the gym from the initial idea to the final touches. I wake up every morning pinching myself that Charlie chose me, of all people.

Johnny: You have your own admirers out there, Trent.

Trent: Well, my heart is Charlie’s, and the dude is the hottest and most talented rocker that walked the stage. I’m not biased at all. Stop grinning. So check out their album and the tour dates if you want to listen to banging music and drool at the man I’m proud to call mine.

Johnny: How hard is it for you when Charlie goes for a tour?

Trent: Very. So far, we haven’t been apart for longer than a month, which was horrible. With the gym, I’d have to stay put for a while, but we’ll soon be launching a vlog documenting me going on a short tour with 77 Rotary Road and see how that works out.

My sister is the brain of the gym operation, so I would leave the gym in her very capable hands. She’ll probably make me attend video meetings, anyway. I’m so lucky to have her on my side, but she takes no-shit from anyone.

Johnny : How about the rest of your family? They must be incredibly proud.

Trent: My parents and my brother with his family came down last night to attend the opening ceremony today. I think they still don’t believe I achieved anything. So mom, dad, if you’re listening: I did something super cool with the help of some amazing people and I’m very proud of that.

Johnny: Links to Barbell-ella’s page, as well as 77 Rotary Road ’s are on our site that will include this interview later today. Thank you Trent, for joining us today.

Trent: Thanks for having me.

Johnny: Next up, weather forecast for the week. But first, let’s listen to 77 Rotary Road’s newest single Lollipop Kisses , and after that, the band’s biggest hit that became their fans’ anthem Me, Myself, and the World .