(Just sent this to the owner / manager of The Forum Bar / Cafe on Division Street in Sheffield. I had a wonderful night overall, really wonderful - Thanks Ange xxx - I had to address this situation though - Love you all xx) -------- Dear Sir / Madam, Before I begin this e-mail, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Andy and I am transgender. To clarify, this means that while I was born male and remain a biological male, I identify as both male and female. I fought against that for years and finally made peace with who I am three years ago. Being transgender means that I have a need to express myself by on occasion wearing clothes which society deems to be more appropriate for females. With help and support from many wonderful people, I am now at a stage where I dont only dress indoors but also go on nights out dressed which is really beneficial to me in dealing with my gender identity. I hope all of this is clear and understandable and I trust that you have no issue with this so far. Last night, 19 December 2014, at around 10pm, I visited your bar while dressed en femme (as it is commonly referred to) with one of my closest friends and was shocked to be denied access by the bouncer who forcefully grabbed my arm as I attempted to enter the bar. When I asked why I was being denied access, I was told in no uncertain terms We dont allow fancy dress. When I attempted to explain the situation to the bouncer and that I was not in fancy dress but that I am transgender I was told youre not welcome here and I dont care what you are. I then attempted to explain the situation again and the bouncer just sternly once again told me No fancy dress and forcefully turned me away. I understand that any bar or premises can refuse admission to anyone when they feel they have a valid reason to do so. There is no doubt in my mind however that in this instance there was no valid reason and be it for either ignorance or a lack of knowledge / training by the bouncer, I was unfairly treated with physical force being used which was unnecessary and uncalled for. This treatment has left me upset, angry and humiliated and as a result I now feel unable to ever visit your bar at any time in the future. I cannot begin to describe to you how very difficult it is for me to have found the courage over the years to go out as my femme self in public but I am determined that the attitude and behaviour displayed to me by your bouncer last night will not break or deter me from being who I am. I do however hope that his actions will not be tolerated by you and that appropriate action will be taken to address this situation and prevent this from re-occurring against any other member of the transgender community. Yours Sincerely. Andy Cain (also known as Carla)
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 19:06:27 +0000
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