Maryland Father of 15-Year-Old Son Barred From Men’s Locker Room at YMCA, Told to Use Universal Bathroom
The Y has been a place where meaningful connections help build stronger communities.
January 10, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 9, 2026
Marvelous Kempamba alleges that he and his 15-year-old son were removed from the men’s locker room to shower after a workout at The YMCA.
A patron made a scene, calling out that his son wasn’t 18, and security was called to remove them.
The YMCA is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities for everyone.
Its mission is to put caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility into practice by building a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
The Y believes everyone, regardless of age, background, or income, deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. It envisions a future where everyone can gain confidence, make connections, and feel secure.
It is a movement dedicated to building the supportive, healthy communities we all want to live in.
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Father Says YMCA Policy Bars Him From Locker Room With Teen Son
Marvelous Kempamba, 43, is speaking out after he and his 15-year-old son were asked to leave the men’s locker room at their local YMCA.
He says the incident occurred after he and his son finished a workout together.
Kempamba and his son entered the men’s locker room to shower.
A patron complained that Kempamba’s son was under 18, and security was called and asked to leave.
According to Kempamba, YMCA staff directed them to use a universal bathroom instead, a space intended for women with small children or individuals uncomfortable in gender-specific facilities.
He says staff further suggested that in the future, he should use the men’s 18+ locker room while his minor son uses the universal bathroom alone.
I will never send my child alone into a universal bathroom. As a parent, my responsibility is to protect my child, not place him in situations that feel inappropriate or unsafe.
Kempamba expressed deep disappointment with the policy, arguing it separates fathers from their teenage sons and treats a normal family activity as a problem.
He called the policy “out of touch, unreasonable, and hostile to families.”
What happened to the common-sense approach where there was a men’s locker room and a women’s locker room, and parents could responsibly accompany their children?
The YMCA has long promoted family values and youth development.
However, Kempamba’s experience has sparked conversation about how such policies impact parents and children in community spaces.
The YMCA involved has not yet publicly commented on the specific incident.
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Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.
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