US: Trans woman files complaint against hookah bar that labelled her ‘gay bitch’
A trans woman has filed a complaint against a DC hookah bar, after a receipt labelled her group “gay bitches”.
A complaint was filed at the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights on behalf of Amira Gray, by LGBT rights-based law firm Lambda Legal.
She was given the receipt with the anti-gay slur at Bistro 18, a hookah bar in Washington, while out socialising with friends.
When it was brought to the attention of the manager, he reportedly attempted to snatch it out of their hands.
Gray said: “When my friends and I saw the receipt, we were humiliated and embarrassed.
“We went in planning to enjoy Bistro 18 just like everyone else in the hookah bar that evening, but it turned into a disturbing experience. I am standing up for my friends and me because I don’t think anyone should have to go through that.”
Dru Levasseur, Lambda Legal Transgender Rights Project Director said: “Discrimination against LGBT customers is a widespread problem that often goes unaddressed in businesses across the country.
“That this happened in Washington, D.C., where LGBT people have strong protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and personal appearance, points out the importance of ensuring existing laws are enforced.
“By standing up for herself and her friends, Amira is taking a stand for all LGBT people who are targeted by businesses for unequal treatment because of who they are.”
The complaint alleges that the bar discriminated based on “actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex in a place of public accommodation”.
Last year, a Yorkshire bar apologised after labelling two men as ‘gay guys’ on a receipt.
