In Denver, a bear bar called the Wrangler refused to let in a drag queen. That drag queen sued and this week the Civil Rights Division at the state’s Department of Regulatory Agencies ruled that the bar discriminated against her. The Denver Post reports:
An investigation by DORA’s division of civil rights found the bar violated Vito Marzano’s right to public accommodations on Aug. 31, 2013, when it turned him away because of his appearance, according to the document.
“The law is new and developing. I think you will see more cases that are consistent with this ruling,” said Darold Killmer, a Denver-based civil rights lawyer. “I think this was a courageous decision, but a correct decision by the Civil Rights Division.”
While, I lovelovelove local news reporters schooling their viewers on “bears” – I feel this is political correctness run amuck. I’ve been turned away from dozens of gay bars over the years for arriving in heels (and tutus and clown wigs and fairy wings and what have you.) Sure, it pissed me off at the time, but I get it. If it’s a leather bar with a strict dress code, then adhere to the code or don’t bother going. Deal with it or die from it. If people want to pay to be exclusive, that’s their prerogative. That’s what velvet ropes are for. And if you are going to be dressed in drag, realize that there are places you won’t be accepted. I was once thrown out of a very posh Hamptons soiree for dressing like a 5-year-old girl in pig tails and pinafore. As I was being escorted off the premises by half a dozen guards, I was mortified, of course (as were my friends) – but it never would have dawned on me to sue. It’s just a funny story to tell at the next party. And there’s always a next party. There’s always someplace else where you can go.
What do you think? Am I thinking like an old queen? Should everybody be allowed everywhere? Is it discrimination to say that a drag queen shouldn’t be allowed in a leather bar? What about straight girls? Should they be allowed at, say, a gay bathhouse? Or let’s reverse it: What if a butch leather queen was not allowed into a drag bar? (Lol, that would never happen). Should he be able to sue? And what about gay men at lesbian bars? Where do we draw the line?
Tweet me @JSJdarling and tell me where you stand.
(via Towleroad)
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