DC restaurant apologizes after expelling transgender woman for using women’s bathroom

A Washington, D.C., restaurant issued an apology to a transgender woman who said she was kicked out for trying to use the women’s bathroom.

Charlotte Clymer, a communications staffer for the Human Rights Campaign, wrote about the incident on a Twitter thread Saturday afternoon. 

Clymer wrote that she was at Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar on Friday night for a bachelorette party when a staff member asked for her ID.{mosads}

She said he told her the identification needed to read “female” in order to use the women’s restroom.

Last night, I was told by the manager of @CubaLibreDC that I couldn’t use the women’s restroom, and after challenging his discrimination with D.C. law and responding to his threat of calling the police w/ “please do so”, I was forcibly removed from the restaurant. (thread)

— Charlotte Clymer️‍ (@cmclymer) June 23, 2018

He insists I need to show my ID, I tell him that’s not happening, and demand to see what law he’s citing. He refuses to show me the law and instead says, “You being in there will make women uncomfortable.” We’re in the way of everyone, and a lot of people are watching this.

— Charlotte Clymer️‍ (@cmclymer) June 23, 2018

A bouncer came up and said I need to be reasonable. I told him the situation and said I would not be leaving until the cops are called. No chance. I explained the law to him, and he continued his condescending plea for me to leave. He then grabbed my arm and pushed me out.

— Charlotte Clymer️‍ (@cmclymer) June 23, 2018

The restaurant acknowledged the incident on Twitter late Saturday.

“We are extremely sorry for the incident that occurred at our restaurant last night,” the restaurant wrote in a letter addressed to Clymer.

@cmclymer We are extremely sorry for the incident that occurred at our restaurant last night. Please view our full response below: pic.twitter.com/gfQ2Ne7GhY

— Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar – Washington D.C. (@CubaLibreDC) June 23, 2018

“The restaurant’s rule is to allow guests of all gender identification to use the bathrooms,” Cuba Libre wrote.

“Clearly our staff did not do so last night and treated you in an unacceptable manner,” they added. “We are immediately re-training our entire staff to ensure this does not happen again.”

The CEO reportedly reached out to Clymer and hopes to speak with her.

Clymer, however, did not find the apology sufficient after the actions of the manager, who forcibly removed her even after showing him D.C.’s law regarding transgender bathroom use.

“I am wholly unconvinced that ‘training’ will address the shortcomings in the character of your manager,” she wrote Saturday. “His callousness and bigotry far exceeded a simple lack of understanding. He was intentional in his discrimination. This person did not act in good faith.”

She also added that she had not heard from the CEO yet. 

.@CubaLibreDC I am wholly unconvinced that “training” will address the shortcomings in the character of your manager. His callousness and bigotry far exceeded a simple lack of understanding. He was intentional in his discrimination. This person did not act in good faith.

— Charlotte Clymer️‍ (@cmclymer) June 23, 2018

.@CubaLibreDC People make mistakes, and when they do so in good faith (meaning with the best of intentions), I think space can be made to learn lessons, improve ourselves and each other, and move on. This is a person who is quite comfortable in his bigotry, and he is not sorry.

— Charlotte Clymer️‍ (@cmclymer) June 23, 2018

Clymer praised the D.C. Police Department and their LGBTQ Liaison Unit, which arrived on scene during the altercation. 

She said she will begin pursuing legal action against the restaurant on Monday. 

Her original post attracted thousands of reactions on social media, even catching the eye of Chelsea Clinton.

“I am so sorry Charlotte this happened. Not remotely a reflection on you,” the former first daughter wrote.  “Thank you for sharing this painful story. As ever, your grace and bravery shine through. Hope you have a great rest of the weekend with your girlfriends.”

I am so sorry Charlotte this happened. Not remotely a reflection on you. Thank you for sharing this painful story. As ever, your grace and bravery shine through. Hope you have a great rest of the weekend with your girlfriends.

— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) June 23, 2018