Transphobia In Connecticut

Transgendered Singer Files Complaint Over Karaoke

Associated Press
11:50 AM EDT, September 4, 2008

WINDSOR LOCKS - A transgendered woman who says a Connecticut bar refused to allow her to sing on a karaoke night has filed a complaint with the state Liquor Commission.

Michelle Merrill says a manager at the Skyline Restaurant in Windsor Locks would not let her sing on Aug. 22 because she is a transsexual. The 35-year-old Enfield resident was born a male and began sex-change procedures 10 years ago.

Merrill says the manager told her other patrons complained that she used the women's bathroom and he didn't want people like her in the bar.

The restaurant's owner, Gina Pastula, denied the discrimination allegation. She declined to name the manager working that night.

A Liquor Commission official confirmed that a complaint has been filed but declined further comment.

Noticed what was not said, she didn’t cause a disturbance, she didn’t do anything in the bathroom except go to the bathroom, she did not break any laws.
She was barred from the bar because the customers and the owner “didn't want people like her in the bar”, it is bigotry and transphobia pure and simple.

The only thing is, I hope that Ms. Merrill will also fill a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunity before the clock run out in 180 day from the incident.