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 Novotel Apologizes To Thai Trans Woman
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: July 5, 2007 - 1:00 pm ET
(Bangkok) Faced with the threat of an
international boycott of its hotels, the Bangkok Novotel on Thursday apologized
to a transsexual who was barred from its nightclub.
Hotel security guards at the door of the club
barred Suthirat Simsri-wong, from entering the premises on the grounds that she
was not a "legitimate woman".
The action enraged Thai LGBT civil rights
activists who called for a worldwide boycott of Novotel. More than 100
LGBT organizations signed on to the boycott.
Thursday, at a news conference at the Novotel
Bangkok manager Gerald Hougardy issued an apology.
"On behalf of Novotel Bangkok in Siam
Square, I would like to extend my sincere apology to Suttirat Simsri-wong for
the unfortunate incident that took place" said Hougardy.
Suthirat and LGBT rights advocates also attended
the news conference.
Suthirat said she accepted the apology and urged
rights groups to end the boycott.
"What's past is past. In the future I will
be a guest of the Novotel," she said.
Thailand is considered one of the world's most
LGBT accepting countries. Gays and lesbians have long had their rights
enshrined in the constitution. The country's new constitution also includes
transgenders.
©365Gay.com 2007
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