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190
“Basic Biology”: Student Sparks Outrage After Locker Room Testimony Gets Shut Down By Board
A California school board meeting turned emotional and contentious last Tuesday (April 15) when a high school studentwas cut off mid-speech while recounting what she described as a “traumatic” encounter with a transgender individual in a locker room.
Celeste Diest, a junior within the Lucia Mar Unified School District in Arroyo Grande, took the podium to share her personal concerns about the participation of transgender students in s*x-segregated spaces.
“Recently, I went into the women’s locker room to change for track practice,” Diest explained. “Where I saw at the end of my row a biological male watching not only myself but the other young women undress.”
Diest then broke into tears and criticized the board for, in her words, “making [her] and [her] peers feel like their comfort is invalid” before being told by a member to “wrap it up.”
RELATED:
President of a California school board told a student to “wrap it up” as she recounted a “traumatic experience” with trans athlete
Image credits: Gecko Studio/Adobe Stock (Not the actual photo)
Diest described the encounter as “beyond traumatizing,” noting that the individual in question was already dressed and shouldn’t have been “in a locker room, let alone the women’s.”
“Adults like yourself make me and my peers feel like our own comfort was invalid, even though our privacy was and still is completely violated,” she added.
Image credits: Lucia Mar Unified School District
The student continued by referencing the individual’s chromosomal makeup, pointing out that “males have XY chromosomes, females have XX chromosomes,” and describing the information as “basic biology.”
Diest, struggling to finish the previous sentence, was then interrupted by the president of the school board, Colleen Martin, instructing her to “please wrap it up.”
“I just want to ask ‘What about us?’” the student continued.
Image credits: Lucia Mar Unified School District
“We cannot sit around and allow our rights to be given up to cater to an individual that is a man, who watches women undress and is stripping away female opportunity that once was fought for us.”
Her words prompted a strong reaction from the audience, with some reportedly wearing t-shirts that read, “Save Girls Sports.” As the cheers grew in volume, Martin proceeded to slam her gavel to restore order in the room.
Debate surrounding the issue of trans athletes in women’s sports continues to escalate, both in cultural and legal areas
Image credits: Lucia Mar Unified School District
The clip surfaced in the middle of an eventful week for the issue of transgender individuals and their participation in spaces reserved for biological women.
As Bored Panda previously reported, The United Kingdom’s Supreme Court put an end to a long discussion that began in 2018 when the Scottish Parliament introduced the Gender Representation on Public Boards Act.
Image credits: Friends of Lucia Mar Forward/Facebook
The legislation was intended to improve gender balance by requiring that half of non-executive board members on public bodies be women. The act defined “woman” to include transgender women who possess a Gender Recognition Certificate.
Image credits: BBC News
Feminist advocacy group For Women Scotland (FWS) challenged the law, arguing that the definition conflicted with the UK’s Equality Act 2010, which protects against discrimination on the basis of characteristics like s*x, reassignment, and orientation.
Image credits: Nomad_Soul/Adobe Stock (Not the actual photo)
FWS contended that the Scottish government had exceeded its authority by expanding the legal definition of “woman.”
After years of litigation, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act refer specifically to biological women and biological s*x.
California legally allows athletes to participate in sports leagues that align with their gender identity
Image credits: Seventyfour/Adobe Stock (Not the actual photo)
While the Court stated that transgender individuals will continue to be protected from discrimination, it explained that these protections will not extend to spaces designed for biological women only—including sports.
In the United States, on the other hand, California remains one of the states that allow transgender athletes to compete in the divisions they identify with.
Image credits: BBC News
“A pupil shall be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, and use facilities consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records,” a 2013 State Assembly bill specifies.
WATCH: A California high school girl tearfully recounts to her school board having to change in front of a biological male before track practice.
Celeste Diest is a junior in the Lucia Mar Unified School District. She said the biological male watched both her and other girls… pic.twitter.com/DV0UQhpcI2
— Off The Press (@OffThePress1) April 17, 2025
The US’ current administration has established a traditional definition of sex and gender via various executive orders. This has led some states, such as Maine, to be sued for not banning transgender athletes in women’s sports.
On the other hand, 26 out of the nation’s 50 states have laws that implement the aforementioned bans.
“Courageous.” Netizens took to social media to share their thoughts on the board meeting
Image credits: GeistLyons
Image credits: CynthiaVic93348
Image credits: Stephan31133535
Image credits: themadameverite
Image credits: OldWisdom44
What do you think ?
CP 8 months ago
Her feelings need to be addressed whether you deem them valid or not. I just worry that AHs are taking advantage of a new situation.
Load More Replies...
Robin Roper 8 months ago
Why is anyone expected to change, shower, or bathroom in public. All these spaces should have private rooms with locks on the doors so that everyone has privacy. I've never thought boys should have to p** standing beside others. Advocated for private stalls and private changing space for everyone.
K 8 months ago
For the love of everything and everyone! Make a 3rd room for trans only. So there is bio men. Bio women. And trans. SOLVES EVERYTHING. GIVE THEM THEIR OWN SPORTS CATEGORY. THEIR OWN LOCKER ROOM. GIVE THEM THEIR OWN EVERYTHING FOR THEM AND THEM ALONE. WIN-WIN-WIN.. WHY IS THIS NOT HAPPENING TO SOLVE ALL THESE PROBLEMS ??????
Lee Banks 8 months ago
Heck yeah! My trans friends (both directions) are uncomfortable sometimes. I've also got cis friends who grew up with or have found a religion that makes them uncomfortable being seen by anyone. There truly needs to be an idgaf/private room. I personally dgaf, but that's me. Shoot, my mtf friends are scared when forced to use the men's room. My ftm friends are scared of the same. I respect the young woman for speaking her peace, but there needs to be a better understanding of how terrifying it can be for trans folk to be vulnerable in that way in public. (Sidenote: I'm bi, but would shame the snot out anyone being lecherous towards a woman in a bath/locker room. You don't do that. )
Load More Replies...
YukiChou 8 months ago (edited)
As an adult sauna going woman I felt very very uncomfortable by a non transitioned trans woman (aka biological man) in ladies dressing room when there were also minors. This person was sexually aroused, and mind you he was generously shaped. I don't see sexual aroused men in the sauna at all, so a trans person who is physically a man should not be in a dressing room for little girls and women, especially not when physically aroused by these people.
Lee451 Henderson 8 months ago
No one ever mentions that this is a possible occurance: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/northern-virginia/teen-accused-of-sexual-assaults-in-2-virginia-high-schools/2831314/ A trans "girl" rapes another girl in 2 Virginia high schools.
Forrest Hobbs 8 months ago
Lee451 Henderson: what do you mean, no-one mentions that as a possible occurance? You just did, and you gave us a link to a news story. There are similar tales here in the UK. Bottom line is: everyone's rights need respecting. If some trans people are unhappy because their binary view of gender isn't fully accepted because of the risk to cis gendered women and girls from people born biologically male - well, let's have a discussion. We're not going to get anywhere until people stop yelling about transphobia and other forms of bigotry and hatred. Sensible, reasoned discussion and a willingness from everyone to accept some form of compromise is the way forward. Me? I have no answers.
Load More Replies...
The Darkest Timeline 8 months ago (edited)
So, no attempt to verify this story? Girl shows up by herself with the backing of MAGA anti-trans activists to a school board meeting where she wasn’t on the meeting agenda and we're supposed to take it at face value? She didn’t bring this up with school administration or coaches or teachers first? Just straight to the school board (read: very public)? Sounds like rage bait to me. I suppose it’s plausible she’s the only one that wanted to come forward but, without any corroborating information, it’s equally as plausible this is made up. Given the right’s history of inciting moral panic and lying about what happens in schools (anyone remember the kitty litter thing that was nothing like what the reactionaries made it out to be?) and surrounding trans people, I’d take this with a grain of salt absent any other information. This incident happened literally a few days ago and there is nothing out there about it other than the same synopsis given here by right-leaning outlets. I can agree the response by the board is bad optics but we aren’t getting the whole story here.
Catherine Chance 8 months ago
That is what the hearing was for, comments like yours make me feel that the authors might themselves not be safe to be around young females, you should understand with a few exceptions the majority of females do not want to see or be seen by random males in a state of undress that is just a reality of human nature, females have an innate sense that males even young boys can use their genitalia as weapons against us, maybe you are trying to convince the world that you have no idea of how disgusting and vile males can be to females in words and in deeds, of course I know it is not every male but enough to be a threat to women.
Load More Replies...
Jake Trochmann 8 months ago
There may be more here - all of us were teens at one point, many of May still be, and I was incredibly hyperbolic and dramatic in High School. I don't know this girl, I don't know her behavioral history, but I imagine the school does. They may have information that they have to keep confidential. This girl May routinely bully her trans classmate. She may opportunistically portray herself as a victim to get sympathy or deflect responsibility from bad behavior. She may be telling the truth. We don't know, this article doesn't say, so it's unreasonable for any of us to jump to any conclusions, or take any sides, with such limited information. This is an extremely complicated social issue which inspires very strong emotions in many of us. But as we advocate for legislation - for or against transgender people - we need to put our emotions and assumptions aside, do research so we can for beliefs based of facts, not feelings.
Rafael 8 months ago
Notice the literal uniformed lobby group behind her in all screen caps. Not sure I would take what she says at face value when she isn't even hiding the agenda.
Load More Replies... 
Nova Rook 8 months ago
BP never shares anything from the trans woman - it is as if she does not exist and her comfort is never raised. Further, BP lies about history and culture by claiming Trump (the maga f*****t/American leader) has returned to the 'traditional definition' without defining what they mean by that outrageous claim. If BP means tradition for bigoted fascists then BP needs to say that.
UKGrandad 8 months ago
Can you explain why the comfort of trans women is more important than the comfort of women?
Load More Replies... CP 8 months ago
Her feelings need to be addressed whether you deem them valid or not. I just worry that AHs are taking advantage of a new situation.
Load More Replies... Robin Roper 8 months ago
Why is anyone expected to change, shower, or bathroom in public. All these spaces should have private rooms with locks on the doors so that everyone has privacy. I've never thought boys should have to p** standing beside others. Advocated for private stalls and private changing space for everyone.
K 8 months ago
For the love of everything and everyone! Make a 3rd room for trans only. So there is bio men. Bio women. And trans. SOLVES EVERYTHING. GIVE THEM THEIR OWN SPORTS CATEGORY. THEIR OWN LOCKER ROOM. GIVE THEM THEIR OWN EVERYTHING FOR THEM AND THEM ALONE. WIN-WIN-WIN.. WHY IS THIS NOT HAPPENING TO SOLVE ALL THESE PROBLEMS ??????
Lee Banks 8 months ago
Heck yeah! My trans friends (both directions) are uncomfortable sometimes. I've also got cis friends who grew up with or have found a religion that makes them uncomfortable being seen by anyone. There truly needs to be an idgaf/private room. I personally dgaf, but that's me. Shoot, my mtf friends are scared when forced to use the men's room. My ftm friends are scared of the same. I respect the young woman for speaking her peace, but there needs to be a better understanding of how terrifying it can be for trans folk to be vulnerable in that way in public. (Sidenote: I'm bi, but would shame the snot out anyone being lecherous towards a woman in a bath/locker room. You don't do that. )
Load More Replies... YukiChou 8 months ago (edited)
As an adult sauna going woman I felt very very uncomfortable by a non transitioned trans woman (aka biological man) in ladies dressing room when there were also minors. This person was sexually aroused, and mind you he was generously shaped. I don't see sexual aroused men in the sauna at all, so a trans person who is physically a man should not be in a dressing room for little girls and women, especially not when physically aroused by these people.
Lee451 Henderson 8 months ago
No one ever mentions that this is a possible occurance: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/northern-virginia/teen-accused-of-sexual-assaults-in-2-virginia-high-schools/2831314/ A trans "girl" rapes another girl in 2 Virginia high schools.
Forrest Hobbs 8 months ago
Lee451 Henderson: what do you mean, no-one mentions that as a possible occurance? You just did, and you gave us a link to a news story. There are similar tales here in the UK. Bottom line is: everyone's rights need respecting. If some trans people are unhappy because their binary view of gender isn't fully accepted because of the risk to cis gendered women and girls from people born biologically male - well, let's have a discussion. We're not going to get anywhere until people stop yelling about transphobia and other forms of bigotry and hatred. Sensible, reasoned discussion and a willingness from everyone to accept some form of compromise is the way forward. Me? I have no answers.
Load More Replies... The Darkest Timeline 8 months ago (edited)
So, no attempt to verify this story? Girl shows up by herself with the backing of MAGA anti-trans activists to a school board meeting where she wasn’t on the meeting agenda and we're supposed to take it at face value? She didn’t bring this up with school administration or coaches or teachers first? Just straight to the school board (read: very public)? Sounds like rage bait to me. I suppose it’s plausible she’s the only one that wanted to come forward but, without any corroborating information, it’s equally as plausible this is made up. Given the right’s history of inciting moral panic and lying about what happens in schools (anyone remember the kitty litter thing that was nothing like what the reactionaries made it out to be?) and surrounding trans people, I’d take this with a grain of salt absent any other information. This incident happened literally a few days ago and there is nothing out there about it other than the same synopsis given here by right-leaning outlets. I can agree the response by the board is bad optics but we aren’t getting the whole story here.
Catherine Chance 8 months ago
That is what the hearing was for, comments like yours make me feel that the authors might themselves not be safe to be around young females, you should understand with a few exceptions the majority of females do not want to see or be seen by random males in a state of undress that is just a reality of human nature, females have an innate sense that males even young boys can use their genitalia as weapons against us, maybe you are trying to convince the world that you have no idea of how disgusting and vile males can be to females in words and in deeds, of course I know it is not every male but enough to be a threat to women.
Load More Replies... Jake Trochmann 8 months ago
There may be more here - all of us were teens at one point, many of May still be, and I was incredibly hyperbolic and dramatic in High School. I don't know this girl, I don't know her behavioral history, but I imagine the school does. They may have information that they have to keep confidential. This girl May routinely bully her trans classmate. She may opportunistically portray herself as a victim to get sympathy or deflect responsibility from bad behavior. She may be telling the truth. We don't know, this article doesn't say, so it's unreasonable for any of us to jump to any conclusions, or take any sides, with such limited information. This is an extremely complicated social issue which inspires very strong emotions in many of us. But as we advocate for legislation - for or against transgender people - we need to put our emotions and assumptions aside, do research so we can for beliefs based of facts, not feelings.
Rafael 8 months ago
Notice the literal uniformed lobby group behind her in all screen caps. Not sure I would take what she says at face value when she isn't even hiding the agenda.
Load More Replies... Nova Rook 8 months ago
BP never shares anything from the trans woman - it is as if she does not exist and her comfort is never raised. Further, BP lies about history and culture by claiming Trump (the maga f*****t/American leader) has returned to the 'traditional definition' without defining what they mean by that outrageous claim. If BP means tradition for bigoted fascists then BP needs to say that.
UKGrandad 8 months ago
Can you explain why the comfort of trans women is more important than the comfort of women?
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