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Drag Queen Accuses Nightclub Of Discrimination After Being Refused Entry

Drag Queen accuses nightclub of discrimination after being refused entry

A drag queen is accusing a nightclub of discrimination for refusing her entry based on the venue’s male dress code.

As a result of the complaint, the nightclub’s management has apologised.

Drag queen accuses nightclub of discrimination

Jessica and five friends, including three dressed as women, went to Finnegan’s Hotel in Newcastle.

They had previously performed at a nearby venue.

According to Fairfax, the security guard on the door let two of the drag queens in, however, told Jessica her clothes did not meet the male dress code.

Jessica said:

“He said ‘As per your ID, it says you’re a male, so you need to dress by the male dress code, long pants and a shirt’, and I told him, ‘I’m not identifying as a male.  I am a female at the moment, so can I go by the female dress code’.

“And he said ‘No, as your ID says, you’re a male,’ which is completely wrong as your ID doesn’t say if you’re male or female.”

Drag queen friends asked to leave

After the rest of the group questioned Jessica’s entry refusal, a supervisor asked them to leave.

Following the incident, fellow drag performer Nova posted on Facebook:  

“Being gay I’ve faced a lot of discrimination throughout my lifetime, but this is really up there.

“This whole situation was ridiculous.  

“It was an insult to my friend, to the art of drag and to the entire LGBTIQ+ community of Newcastle.”

Venue apologies

As a result of the complaint, a spokesperson from Finnegan’s Hotel posted an apology and explanation:

“Our understanding of the reason for your friend’s refusal was not because your friend was dressed in drag, but the attire was seen by door staff as not meeting the hotel’s dress code policy.

“The explanation given by the guard on the door was not correct and we apologise if that caused you any distress and/or embarrassment.  

The security guard was spoken to last night after the incident and reminded that a person’s gender identity has no bearing on the dress code, rather their present gender expression.

“We can confirm the security guard that was working on the door does not usually work in that position, which unfortunately resulted in the incorrect explanation being given.

“It definitely isn’t the hotel’s intention that the dress code upset customers.”

Finnegans Hotel Newcastle accused of discrimination.

Discrimination hard to prove

Miles Heffernan from Discrimination Claims said discrimination surrounding venue entry is hard to prove.

“Hotels have the right to refuse entry to people based on their attire, and bouncers often use that as an excuse to not let someone into a pub or club,” he said.

“However, when someone is denied entry based on their gender identity, then you’re heading into unlawful discrimination territory.

“Especially if you tell someone their outfit doesn’t match the gender on their ID card.

“That is outrageous, and offensive, and shouldn’t have happened.”


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