Gay Jonas Brothers fan humiliated after security guards told him he’s ‘not a man’ for wearing make-up
David Tynan and his friend Leagh (Twitter)
An 18-year-old gay Jonas Brothers fan has claimed that security guards at a Dublin concert venue told him he is “not a man” because he had make-up in his bag.
Secondary school student David Tynan was going to see the Jonas Brothers at Dublin’s 3Arena on 31 January when the alleged incident occurred, he told RTÉ Radio 1’s Liveline.
Tynan, who is from Swords, Dublin, said he was “shocked” and “humiliated” when security guards told him to join the women’s security queue instead because he had make-up in his bag.
His friend Leagh McGuirk, who was at the concert with him, said a security guard at the venue pushed him to the side and said: “We are not searching you, you are not a man to us.”
Gay student felt ‘belittled’ and ‘misgendered’ by the experience at Dublin’s 3Arena.
Tynan was wearing make-up when the incident occurred but was wearing “male” clothing such as cargo pants and boots. He said he was “startled” and “couldn’t comprehend” what was happening.
David says he was told @3ArenaDublin "I am not searching you, you are not a man to me." Leagh who was there tells @joeliveline he was searched by a female security guard instead #liveline pic.twitter.com/WKRdD2vKrf
— Liveline (@rteliveline) February 6, 2020
He subsequently went to a female security guard who searched him and told him: “You don’t deserve that.” She also said the security guard’s actions were “not right” and said “they feel uncomfortable searching you”.
I’m still feeling shaken by it. I felt so belittled and misgendered. It’s a horrible feeling.
Tynan said he felt “belittled” by the experience.
“I’m still feeling shaken by it. I felt so belittled and misgendered. It’s a horrible feeling.
“I went to the concert and paid money for a ticket to enjoy myself. I didn’t go to be judged by anyone.”
The venue has since issued an apology for ‘the confusion’ around Jonas Brothers fan’s gender identity.
The 3Arena has since issued an apology for the incident, saying: “We are sorry for the confusion regarding the concert-goer’s gender.”
The venue, which is among the most popular in Ireland for performers, has attracted criticism on social media over the incident. Some have said the security guard’s actions points to “fragile masculinity”, while others have pointed out that anybody can wear make-up.
https://twitter.com/ConanGShore/status/1225497807991320576
This is honestly a fucking disgrace. So what if a boy wants to wear make up. You shouldn’t discriminate anyone over what they want to wear even if it’s make up or clothing. I honestly hope that security guard feels sick to his stomach over what he did.— Lauren Byrne💕 (@LaurenB43843327) February 6, 2020
