The uproar led the PCHR to investigate a myriad of complaints about treatment, hiring and door policies related to minorities at gay bars and nightclubs citywide. Activist groups, like the Black and Brown Workers Collective, staged protests at ICandy, focusing their attention on racial bias throughout the Gayborhood, which led to media coverage and ongoing conversation within the community.
“They never looked at other establishments near the Gayborhood,” he said.Ī few significant incidents led to the investigation into the Gayborhood specifically, most notably after the owner of gay nightclub ICandy was caught on video using the n-word to describe African-American customers. Sotland has accused the PCHR of operating with a double standard, especially if bars like U-Bahn are exempt from the investigation into discrimination.
“People typically don’t show up wearing them.”Ī plaque implicitly stating the dress code policy was recently removed from the building. “The policy was developed with the management and safety teams along with ownership,” said Sourias, who can’t personally remember a time when anyone was actually turned away for wearing a hat or steel-toe boots at the bar. U-Bahn’s owner, Teddy Sourias, said his bar’s door policy was created two years ago in response to “safety” concerns. “We recognize that certain dress codes, while neutral, can end up being discriminatory in application because a particular group of individuals may wear that certain article of clothing more than others.” 'NEVER LOOKED AT OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS' “The Fair Practice Ordinance prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, and bars, clubs and restaurants are places of public accommodations,” she said.
And while she says there is no standard dress code policy for bars and clubs in Philly, ultimately policies need to be enforced equally to ensure no patrons are being unfairly signaled out based on race. “U-Bahn and all bars operated by the same owners must go through training if everyone is going to be held to the same standard.”Īccording to Pamela Gwaltney, deputy executive director at the PCHR, the Gayborhood bars were targeted for investigation because of specific complaints that surfaced about these businesses. “If the PCHR is serious about enforcing dress codes, then we should see a very serious approach undertaken in the coming days,” Sotland said. In the past, articles of clothing like Timberland boots have been discussed, as well as athletic gear and skullcaps popular among African-American men.ī ut Sotland is concerned that not all establishments are being held to the same standard. The PCHR confirmed to the PhillyVoice that, to date, there’s been 100 percent compliance.Īnother element to the PCHR investigation was the dismantling of discriminatory dress codes in gay bars and nightclubs. Then the PCHR released its report outlining complaints before leading mandatory training for all gay bar owners and staff. The issue has been ongoing for many months.įirst, there were the heated community meetings on Gayborhood racism late last year.