Kiki

I am shocked by how my friend and I were treated at Kiki Club on U Street. As two Black gay men, we faced racial profiling and were physically mistreated by the bouncers at the entrance. Although we are regulars, we were turned away while three Latino and white people were let in right in front of us. When we politely asked why, the bouncers said those people were "different," which felt insulting and clearly discriminatory. To make matters worse, the bouncers, who are also Black, put their hands on me and physically pushed me aside even though I was calmly and respectfully showing my identification. The disrespect, both racial and physical, was worse than anything I've experienced, especially in a supposedly safe LGBTQ+ space. I left feeling humiliated, disrespected, and betrayed by a place I once supported. It's sad to see such divisive and discriminatory behavior within our own community. I strongly suggest others avoid this venue until they address their discriminatory practices and hold their staff accountable. We deserve safe, inclusive spaces where everyone is treated with dignity, not places like Kiki Club where racial profiling and physical aggression are allowed.

A visitor · 1 year ago