'I felt worthless': Trans woman Piper Ayers kicked out of Florida nightclub for using women's restroom
CAPE CORAL FLORIDA: A transgender woman claimed she felt "worthless" after she was grabbed and kicked out of a Florida nightclub by bouncers for using the women's restroom. Piper Ayers with her group of friends went to Dixie Roadhouse in Cape Coral where security shoved her out of the club for using the women's restroom.
Security reportedly informed Ayers that men are not permitted in the women's restroom. According to Ayers, she is still legally a male, NBC News reported. She begged security for permission to use the ladies' restroom, stating that she was in a crop top, skirt, and high heels. There is a sign on the entrance door that reads, "If you are racist, sexist, homophobic, or just a jerk... don't come in."
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Ayers cried recalling the humiliation and claimed that the traumatic event had made her feel "worthless." She told the portal, "We decided to come on down here to Dixie to have a little fun." She got emotional and added, "This is who I am. You get laughed at, you get scoffed."
The security guards were reportedly questioned by her friend TJ Jackson, who accompanied her to the club. When Jackson attempted to explain that Ayers identified as a woman and should be permitted to use the women's restroom, he claims the guards responded that they don't allow men to do so. Ayers recalled, "So we went and talked to the manager, and the only thing he could say is what it says on your ID." Her name and gender have not been legally changed.
Another clubgoer, Sean Kelliher, had just met Ayers and had approached security to explain. Kelliher told security guards, "This is a woman, a trans woman, and you need to understand what that is. This is not a drag queen or a cross-dresser. This is a trans girl, and you need to treat her as a lady."
Despite repeated attempts to explain, no one from the club was listening, according to Ayers. She said, "The next thing you know, they grab a hold of me and start shoving me out the front door. Ayers emotionally broke down and said, "I just felt worthless. Like I wasn’t a person, or I didn’t have feelings or emotions. Just no respect."