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Ali Ramezan was born a woman and is currently undergoing hormonal therapy with a view to a full sex change to a man.

But the 27-year-old was asked to use the ladies' changing rooms or not to use the gym at all after several customers complained his female genitals and breasts being on show.

Ali, who has been a regular at Bodylines gym in Plymouth, Devon, for years, said: "I was told that people at the gym had been complaining about me using the men's changing rooms and shower, and was told that because I have breasts and a vagina, I could only use the female facilities.

"I was really upset about it. I sat with my head in my hands, I just felt gutted."

The fitness fanatic made the decision to begin the gender transition three years ago.

He began dressing in male clothes and wrapping his breasts when he was 24.

Ali added: "This is the first time I've experienced transphobic behaviour from a business.

"I can't believe that in this day and age transgender and transexuals face discrimination from others.

"I want people to be aware that this is still going on."

(Image: PLYMOUTH HERALD/SWNS.COM)

But John Kerley, owner of Bodylines Gym, said the gym was "acting on complaints" and was in no way discriminating against Ali or the transgender community.

He added: "I have known Ali all his life and gave him help and support.

"I have always taken care of him in the gym."

It comes after a lesbian was forcibly removed from a ladies' toilet by police who refused to believe she was a woman.