A trans individual who was allegedly misgendered and denied entry to a Chicago nightclub said Jan. 12 that the nightclub's attempt at an apology was insufficient, according to DNA Info.
Jay Graber said that when theytheir preferred pronounas well as friends attempted to enter PRYSM Nightclub, 1543 N. Kinsbury St., on Dec. 30, they were turned away; Graber was wearing a dress. Employees first said the problem was Graber's shoes, which they changed. Graber and their party were still not admitted, and alleged that the employees mocked and misgendered them as well as their friend, who is also transgender. Their ticket was marked as "male."
Graber complained about the incident on social media and has said they are considering a complaint with the city's Human Rights Commission, and that an attorney offered to represent them pro bono in a lawsuit.
The nightclub finally responded to the allegations on Facebook Jan. 10, saying that it would be hiring a "community educator" to instruct employees presumably in inclusivity and diversity issues. It also offered Graber a refund for the tickets they bought for the Dec. 30 event and to put them on the guest list for an upcoming show.
Graber replied, "Regarding your offer of free tickets: Will my complimentary ticket say 'MALE?' like the one I was issued Dec. 30?" Graber responded. "Literally every member of your staff with whom I interacted that night misgendered me and I'm not trying to deal with that nonsense again."
DNA Info's story is at dnain.fo/2jyCWrj .