UNION BAR REACHES RESOLUTION WITH GLBT COMMUNITY

March 16, 2009
Contact Brandon Webb at hsyd.president@houstonstonewallyd.org or 713.825.7830/
Kris Banks at 281.797.1507

UNION BAR REACHES RESOLUTION WITH GLBT COMMUNITY

Representatives from Union Bar and Lounge met with leaders from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community at the office of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus Monday and reached a resolution that actions that led to the perception of discrimination were unintended.

“Due to a miscommunication between management of Union Bar and Lounge and the door staff, we acknowledge that actions by the door staff caused an unintended perception of discriminatory actions towards the gay and lesbian community,” said Union Bar owners. “We wholeheartedly did not want or intend for this to happen. We also acknowledge that this unintended action caused hurt and bad feeling within the gay and lesbian community towards Union Bar and it staff. We also extend this apology to all of our regular gay and lesbian customers who may have been hurt by this misunderstanding.”

“We deeply appreciate Union Bar and Lounge coming to us to clear up this incident,” said Kris Banks, president of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus. “We accept Union Bar’s explanation that miscommunication was at the heart of the problem. We understand that there was no discriminatory intent, but circumstances led to a strong perception that we were excluded because of our sexual orientation."

"The events of March 13th reminded the GLBT community that our struggle for equal rights is not over," said Brandon Webb, President of the Houston Stonewall Young Democrats. "Although the owners of Union Bar have acknowledged their mistakes, we as a community recognize that discrimination still exists and we must continue to stand against it regardless of the venue."

“Discrimination should also be addressed with legislation like Texas House Bill 2215. We were happy to hear that the owners of Union Bar and Lounge are 100 percent supporters of this legislation," stated Banks.

“We are happy for resolution and call for the GLBT community to move on and continue working for equality. We urge the community to cease negative bombardment, especially highly inappropriate harassment and threats.”

The Union Bar and Lounge will continue to work with the GLBT community and intends to hold a fundraiser in the near future for a GLBT-specific community organization.