Acccess Denied, Request Denied

[darkladywolf]

Today, as I often do on a weekend, I went to Babar (Woden) with my housemate to have breakfast. After I paid I also took the chance to use their toilets.

I began to lock the cubical door when the outer door opened and the owner informed me that these were the Women's toilets, and that the Men's were across the hall.

I replied (politely) that I knew I was in the Women's toilets.

She told me that I was not allowed in here and should use the Men's. I replied that I believed I had a right to use these toilets.

She disagreed and began 'explaining' that I should not be here. At this point I came out of the cubical and after a few tries managed to interject enough to explain that I was transgendered.
She told me it didn't matter.

At this point I, unfortunately, lost my temper and merely told her I was leaving and wouldn't return. I also mentioned going to the Anti-Discrimination Board (I have no idea, right now, of it's official name). This didn't seem to worry her.

I have been going to Babar for quite some time, and usually use the Women's toilets there. This hasn't previously been an issue; even when the Owner was present.

I should mention I've never had an issue with the staff either. They've all been friendly, helpful and efficient.

However, today was my last visit to Babar.

{Lyrics: Access Denied - Mortal Sin }

Comments

[klepsydra.livejournal.com]

Assholes. Report them. There must be a transgender campaigning group down under who can get on the case?

[grimreaperess.livejournal.com]

Yep, report them, cause a fuss if you feel up to it.

[trixtah.livejournal.com]

Fuck that. I've never been to Babar's (and won't be now), but I'll spread the word. Since it was one of the staff members, I would suggest trying to get in touch with the owner or manager - it might have been just the fuckwit staff member (because I can't imagine any business wants official hassle about discrimination, especially since there's been no problem before).

I certainly think it's worth pursuing with the management, in case it was just one bad apple spoiling the barrel - I'm sure they'd want to address it as a policy issue, if they're at all sane.

[weibchenwolf.livejournal.com]

Well that's the problem: it was the owner. I'll still be sending them a letter though.

[trixtah.livejournal.com]

Holy fuck. Yep, totally sic the anti-discrimination people on them as well. It sucks they did this to you.

[being-bec.livejournal.com]

Fucking hell... *hugs* Kinda wish I was in the area so I could kick up hell for em - they deserve all the hell possible! Hope you have the mental energy to make a fuss, also understand if you don't though, and hope you'll be gentle on yourself if you don't do all the mental "shoulds" that might be going through your head...?

xoxo

[xvmoonchildvx.livejournal.com]

That's not right at all.
Screw that bitch. You should write a well-worded, nasty letter!
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/adb/ll_adb.nsf/pages/adb_agencies

[wolfaugen.livejournal.com]

You could also write an anonymous letter to your local papers editor... that's such bs!

[weirdlilfaechld.livejournal.com]

Shit, I'm sorry about that. Jerks, jerks, everywhere.

[parabasis.livejournal.com]

Hugs! What an awful experience.
While it was doubtless terrible to experience, your sharing it highlights the problem and draws attention to it, which I think cannot be a bad thing. Thank you for trusting us with your experience.