All Gayborhood bar owners have been subpoenaed to attend a hearing addressing racism in the Gayborhood.
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations announced the move Friday, the day after a heated discussion among community members and nightlife representatives about ongoing accusations of racism in local bars. The subpoenas compel owners to attend an Oct. 25 PCHR hearing on the issue and to bring with them “dress codes, employment policies, nondiscrimination policies, training manuals and any other rules or policies governing the provision of services to patrons,” according to a PCHR news release.
The hearing is open to the public. It’s scheduled for 6 p.m. at Liberty Resources, 112 N. Eighth St., Suite 600.
PCHR executive director Rue Landau encouraged LGBT community members to “come out and share their stories, as well as their recommendations for change.”
Landau said the commission believes “this hearing will allow us to fully understand the scope of the issues and to develop recommendations to help remedy any systemic failures.”
PCHR chair Tom Earle emphasized the importance of bar owners’ participation.
“LGBTQ people of color have expressed serious concern about actual or perceived racism and discrimination in the bars in the Gayborhood,” Earle said. “It is essential that the bar owners be present in the Gayborhood.”
Newsletter Sign-up