Protestors Take Stand Against Dallas Gay Bar

Just one week after Dallas gay bar owner David Moore banned all drag queens from his establishment, Crews Inn, a mob of upset protestors took action.

After reading an article in the Dallas Voice, a local LGBT publication, several gay, straight and transgender persons took a stand against what they called discrimination by the bar owner. More than 15 activists lined the sidewalk outside Crews Inn around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22. According to attendees, three times as many activists were there earlier that evening.

"Support your whole community. Do the right thing. Crews Inn discriminates against transgender people" was shout from the sidewalk adjacent to the bar on Tuesday night, the busiest night of the week for Crews Inn.

Kelli Busey (pictured left) was there holding one of several signs that read "Equal rights for make-up and tights." Kelli identifies herself as a transgender female. Though the staff allowed Busey entrance to the bar that evening, she explains its because the photo on her identification card matches her appearance.

According to the article in the Dallas Voice, Moore was told the Dallas Police Department and the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission would rule in his favor since a customer's appearance must match her picture ID.

But, the angry protestors still felt that Moore had done a great deal of unjustice to the transgender community. By deciding to ban the entire group, instead of holding individuals accountable for their actions, Moore had turned his back on the community. According to Busey, protests will continue next week if a public apology has not been made by Moore.

At 11:52 p.m., David Moore, nor anyone from his staff had addressed the protestors. Police officers stood by patiently, but no one was arrested or injured during the demonstration.