5 Feb 2014

Abby Lee of Les Peches Hong Kong Faces Discrimination on Night Out in Singapore

Host of Hong Kong lesbian social community, Les Peches, and local LGBT campaigner asked to leave podium “because it’s for ladies”

 

Abby Lee was enjoying a night out with friends in Zouk Club in Singapore, she stepped up to one of the club’s podiums and a member of staff asked her to step down from the female-only platform and told “it’s for ladies”.
Abby Lee was incredulous, “I said I'm a lady and he said to the effect I don't conform to their kind of lady because of my look and dressing and it's their company rule and policy.” After explaining that this was “utter discrimination”, Lee demanded to talk to the management.
“The manager explained that that particular platform is for ladies so that they don't get harassed by guys. (Which is a great initiative but..) He kept saying sorry, offered to buy us drinks and will educate their guys. I said no mood anymore to party and left unhappily.”
The incident highlights everyday acts of discrimination that LGBT people experience in Singapore, a country where homosexual acts between men are illegal and there is no legislation to protect against discrimination.

Abby Lee of Les Peches was enjoying a night out with friends in Zouk Club in Singapore, she stepped up to one of the club’s podiums and a member of staff asked her to step down from the female-only platform and told “it’s for ladies”.

Abby Lee was incredulous, “I said I'm a lady and he said to the effect I don't conform to their kind of lady because of my look and dressing and it's their company rule and policy.” After explaining that this was “utter discrimination”, Lee demanded to talk to the management.

“The manager explained that that particular platform is for ladies so that they don't get harassed by guys. (Which is a great initiative but..) He kept saying sorry, offered to buy us drinks and will educate their guys. I said no mood anymore to party and left unhappily.”

The incident highlights everyday acts of discrimination that LGBT people experience across the world. The hope is that in sharing such acts we can begin to educate and eradicate discriminatory behaviour.