A transgender woman was denied from a high SES bar, Ce La Vi, because of her gender identity. Based on the woman's account, she was stopped from entering the bar because it is their "policy". When asked what kind of policy that was, the staff could not provide a proper answer.
The woman later filed a complaint and received an apology but felt that she cannot take this discriminatory behaviour lying down. Seems like a bar with high standards does not necessarily have high quality service, just like how high SES ministers do not have high quality service.
"Last Friday, August 17th, midnight, I was refused entry to Ce La Vi.
As a paying customer, I am entitled for a reason. To which I courteously asked 'Why?'
The security personnel told me it was the protocol and it was the policy. Inquisitive as I am, I asked 'What is the policy?'
As he did not elaborate further, I requested for his manager so I can have a discussion and to have it further explained.
The head security re-echoed his subordinate’s response. Further, answering my enquiry, he said that 'the policy is, Transgenders are not allowed entry in the club, unless they are on guest list'
I was appalled, embarrassed and in utter disbelief that such discriminating policy targeting Transgender paying customers exist. I composed myself and requested a contact so I can file a complaint.
After 3 working days from filing the complaint, the Club manager contacted me via phone call. He told me that the incident was handled incorrectly; the verbiage used was wrong and assured that it won’t happen again. Likewise, he has given me his personal number so I can ping him up and be included in the guest list should I want to go to the club in the future.
I felt relieved that my complaint was heeded, my spirits livened up by the positive outcome and was glad on the assurance I have received.
However, as gratifying as it feels - the ease of entry in the club thru inclusion in the guest list- I felt uncomfortable with this new found “privilege”. After thinking through it, I wrote back.
I wrote back to the club manager to tell how I felt.
I personally felt that:
-It was not right for them to be selective of whom among the Transpeople they will let in or not when the same was not applied to Cispeople.
-We share the same interest of having a fun night, enjoying music and having lasting experiences.
-Despite some occurrences of unlawful acts committed by Transpeople in the club (i.e stealing), it should not be a precursor to a “policy” singling out Transpeople. It should be applied to thieves (whoever they are) rather than on Transpeople.
-Lastly, as thankful as I am with the new found privilege, it is only a short term solution and does not redress the pre-conceived notions the club has over people like me. The solution is to lift/ remove the “policy” in order that future Transpeople who might go to the same club will not have to experience the same embarrassment, mishap and discomfort I went through.
The manager called me again and reassured that the incident won’t happen again, there’ll be no singling out and should it happen again, get the name of the security and contact him.
I opted to share my story as I want to empower my fellow Trans sisters and brothers who had experienced a similar incident (in whatever kind) to be courageous and to challenge discriminatory policies, in the most diplomatic way possible.
It is only thru calling discrimination out that we can make our society more inclusive, more accepting and more loving.
Redress masked in the form of privilege is good in the short run however opt for something that will benefit most of everyone. Always consider the bigger picture.
Lastly, when you are with privilege, try to get out of the bubble from time to time, with which I did this time. Thru this, I’m able to empathize and remind myself that in many ways, I share the same experience, the same goals and same aspirations as my fellow Trans sisters and brothers."
Seems like Singapore has a long way to go.
Credits to Vanessa Ho for the story
