Crews Inn, a gay bar in Dallas, instituted a policy on July 15 prohibiting drag queens and transgender women from admittance on Tuesday nights.
"Drag queens act like they are divas and think they can do no wrong," said bar co-owner David Moore to the Dallas Voice. "They have stolen money straight off the bar, hassled customers for drinks, and locked themselves in the bathroom with a bunch of guys. And with Tuesday being our busiest night, there is just no way for me to keep the drag queens under control then. I don't want drag queens in here that are going to misbehave."
"It's kind of like I'm a positive role model in the community," said local drag performer Ivana Tramp to the Voice. "It wasn't like I was there hammered or begging people to buy me a drink. I felt like it was very embarrassing and degrading."
Tramp and other performers are consulting attorneys about the legality of the ban and plan to take legal action.
"I'm not sure if it is legal or not, but if they are acting stupid, I have that right under TABC [Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission]," Moore told the Voice. "As a bar owner, we have the right to refuse service to anyone."
Moore also believes it is legally permissible to bar drag queens because a customer's appearance must match his or her picture ID.
Tramp plans to picket Crews Inn on Tuesday night, July 22. The group is expecting 50 to 100 performers and fans to show up. (The Advocate)
