Nicole Milania Blanco still doesn’t understand why she wasn’t allowed into downtown Tucson’s JunXion Bar on Saturday, Feb. 1, while her friends were allowed to go in. However, she’s guessing it’s possibly because she is transgender.
The internets exploded a bit over the weekend with comments on the bar’s Facebook review section, as well as posts from Blanco and others on what allegedly took place on Saturday night. Blanco told the Weekly that she’s been to the bar twice before and remembers getting stares, but was never told to leave. When she got dressed up with her friends—another woman and a man—to go out Saturday night she never expected she’d be turned away at the the door.
She’s still trying to figure out why or what happened.
“The bouncer at the door said ‘We can’t let you in. I’m not allowed to let you in,'” says Blanco, who identifies as transsexual.
The bouncer told her she had been blacklisted by the manager, and never said why. Her friend reportedly knows JunXion general manager Andrew Ian Sommers and texted him about the situation outside. Blanco says it took Sommers 15 minutes to come outside, and when he did he told them it wasn’t his call but the bouncers.
“It was embarrassing,” she says. “People were looking at us.”
She wonders if complaints had been made to management the last time she was at the bar. Blanco describes the crowd as urban and straight, so some maybe patrons were uncomfortable with someone who is transgender.
Blanco says she doesn’t know, because neither the manager or bouncer would give her a reason. She’s contemplating filing a complaint with the city, but she’d like to know why she wasn’t allowed into the bar.
The Weekly emailed and called Sommers asking for comment and the bar’s policy regarding which patrons are welcome. When we hear back from him, we’ll let you know what he has to say.
UPDATE: Sommers responded to the controversy on JunXion’s Facebook page:
Dear Tucson,
JunXion not only doesn’t discriminate against anyone in the LGBTI community, but openly welcomes and supports them as our friends, coworkers, and as our customers. We seek to make our club a place where everyone —-regardless of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation —- will be treated with respect. We stress this to our bar and security staff and we have proudly hosted gay events without incident in the past and are planning more in the future. This is a commitment that reflects our values, both personally and as a business.
So it was extremely unsettling to read Facebook and Tucson Weekly posts suggesting that someone could have been mistreated, discriminated against or denied entry simply for being Transgender. Our security staff are instructed to treat everyone with courtesy and act in a professional manner at all times and I can assure you that anyone working at JunXion who committed such an offensive act would be fired.
Our security personnel are entrusted with providing a safe environment for our customers. This includes removing anyone causing disturbances inside as well as reducing the chance of problems arising in the first place by denying entry to anyone known to have been involved in unacceptable behaviors (fights, etc) in the past at JunXion —- or anywhere else. In these instances, our doormen are instructed not to engage in arguments or participate in any behavior that can cause an escalation in tension. At the door, they are instructed to simply apologize and politely inform the potential guest(s) that they are not being allowed in. This policy also extends to others in their party as well.
Regardless of the circumstances, participating in an incident at a neighboring bar is reason enough for us to deny entry and the fact is that the individual in question was observed by our security personnel involved in such an incident. This was the reason she was denied entry and it is the ONLY reason. It had absolutely nothing to do with being, or a perception of being, Transgender. She was never spoken to in an inappropriate manner, nor treated disrespectfully.
So in light of this, I fully support the decision of my doormen to deny entry to this person. I would, however, like to say that I am personally sorry that she would have assumed there was any other reason.
Lastly, I must say that I consider it unfair that the Tucson Weekly did not give us a better opportunity to respond before publishing these accusations. It was the morning after “Super Bowl Sunday.” I was asleep. You waited a whole three hours for a response?
This issue as a whole is extremely serious. I take my business extremely serious. These allegations, false as they are, are extremely serious and I was taken aback by them. That being said my staff and I are hard working, respectable members of our Tucson community who did not deserve to be “reported” on without a thorough attempt to establish the facts.
I welcome any questions or concerns from the community on this matter.
Andrew Sommers
Managing Partner
The JunXioN Bar
SECOND UPDATE: Bianco posted in our comments section about her meeting with Sommers:
Met today with the general manger Andrew sommers of junxtion. And we had a long discussion on that night as well as other things. And that night was just a misunderstanding. We discussed the incident and why I wasn’t allowed in and it was a misunderstanding with his staff. We had a big discussion on transgender equality and he’s supportive on lgbt community. Both parties understood each other’s sides. And we both learned from this experience.
This article appears in Jan 30 – Feb 5, 2014.
This is wrongful defamation of character and doesn’t belong in the TW. The ignorance it takes for a news organization to publicly attack a local business owner over a Facebook status like this is laughable. How dare you? Andrew Sommers has been a hard working bar manager in Tucson for far to be brought up in this manner. Every single bar back and bartender in town can attest to this mans character and professionalism. TW I’m greatly disappointed in your reporting, and the only reputation tarnished here is yours.
no matter if she is or not that is not right to not let her or any other transgender person in cuz of their gender
What people do with their time is their own fucking business .. people aren’t required to do a background check to get into the fucking bar, asshole ..
Whatever the case .. she was wrongfully turned away .. and it’s a VERY embarrassing situation.
If I were the owner of a bar and a male came into the bar dressed as a female I too might not allow them in. I might well wonder what bathroom they might impose themselves into using.
If male genitalial then use the men’s room. If female genitalia then use the ladies room. Can not have it both ways simply by the clothes one might wear.
BTW, what the heck has one’s brain gender have to do with the issue.
It is genital SEX, not something of a delusional brain dysphoria that should be the criteria.
Hey Jake, you must be new to the bar business because everything you said is complete bullshit. I worked for him at his last job and witnessed behavior completely contrary to what you said. Kudo’s to the weekly for bringing this topic up for discussion. I wasn’t there nor do I know the facts, but I do think it is responsible journalism to ask what happened. This bar is an advertiser so even bigger balls to post it, something the star would never do.
Jake: We left a message on Andrew’s cell phone and on his Facebook page waiting for a comment for three hours before posting the article and we’d gladly add his take once we hear from him. The discussion was out there in social media land, so we thought we’d look into it. That’s kind of our job. We’re definitely not trying to defame anyone, especially Andrew, a guy I’ve had lunch with before (and have no personal issue with at all).
On a parallel note, however…you used to work at JunXion, right? Isn’t that worth mentioning?
Apparently, Junxion has problems with lots of people. I used to help feed the needy with a group at the little placita (on Scott), across the street from Junxion. The group would feed the less fortunate for years at this location, without any problems with law enforcement or surrounding businesses. Trash would be picked up, the crowd would eat their dinner and then go on their merry way. No more than 2 hours tops. Even the police would drive/walk by with no words of warning, etc. Once Junxion opened, the manager would call the police on the group. The tradition stopped abrubtly. I understand if the dinner was during Junxion hours & disruptive, but it was well before club goers would arrive. If this is the type of establishment Junxion is, the type that discriminates against ANYONE, then I’ll take my business and kind words elsewhere.
A business owner has the right to refuse entry to a known protitute
Lynn, the problem with your logic is that Nicole isn’t a male coming to the bar dressed as a woman. Nicole is a woman. She’s not a cross-dresser or a drag queen, but a person who identifies as a woman. You or anyone else doesn’t get to make that call, or determine what bathroom she can go into. Anyone uncomfortable with that needs to get a life.
ah so this is how the bar plans to spin the story… thats she’s a “prostitute”. better get your lawyers on the phone the ACLU is no going to buy what you’re selling.
I will spend my club dollars in a more friendly location.
Honestly, I don’t think this is accurate. I started up a quiz there that never took off because the bar isn’t really set up for it. No hard feelings. The venue isn’t my cup of tea, and though I don’t know much about him outside of the quiz arrangement, Andrew is a pretty upfront kind of guy. He might have blacklisted a few people, but I don’t believe this is an issue of discrimination based on sexual identity or orientation. For example, I never once felt that he was hatin’ on my being a giant lesbian, and that’s something I’m pretty good a detecting. I agree that this situation speaks to poor business practice, maybe not enough communication, but not discrimination.
@Lynn: Is there some way we could tell your gender by just looking at you? Would you want someone checking your genitalia to make sure you get into the right bathroom?
Backpage ad has been taken down
It is illegal in the City of Tucson to deny entrance to a bar or other place of public accommodations (e.g., hotels, restaurants, retail stores, etc.) because the person is transgender, or because someone simply decides the customer isn’t dressed or behaving in accordance with their stereotypes of what a man or a woman should look or act like. Violations of this ordinance can result in a civil fine of up to $2500. http://www.tucsonaz.gov/oeop/ch17
hey anonn – i’m sure you’re on the escort page of backpage purely for ‘research’ purposes lol
Actually anon, plenty of Nicole’s ads are still up, and if JunXion denied her entrance because she’s a sex worker, then damn, just say so. But there are a few perspectives to add to this excuse — first, Tucson is a sex-worker city. We have a lot of local men and women who make a living as sex workers and we have a lot of people who travel through here making a living as sex workers. Hey, it is the gem show, I imagine business is booming right now. Sex workers live in Tucson, have kids in local schools and some even go out with friends to local bars–just like everyone else. But I think when you are a Ts sex-worker, that’s a different story. Anyone who is transgender will tell you that they are far more vulnerable to violence and abuse than other people, especially people who transition M to F. Working a bar can be dangerous, which is why I’m sure most people are going to stick with meeting potential clients through Back Page and other sites.
Great reputation this place is garnering…I’ve heard of musicians not getting treated well or even paid and now discrimination. And so what if she IS a prostitute?? Who cares?
nice rep. The double homicide on NYE where the guy ran over 2 people, that’s where they were drinking. read the ratings on their Facebook page. other claims of discrimination.
As Nicoles best friend and as a transgendered female going 11 years living this way, it is wrong that they would deny her entry. It is 2014. I cannot believe discrimination still exists. This is not the first time, too. According to their Facebook pages reviews, this has happened several times. It is terrible. And this has nothing to do with her line of profession. Lets stay focused on the real issue. And really? The gay community is sensitive due to equal rights. It is the last community you want to upset.
As a member of the gay community myself, and a frequent customer at Junxion, I was shocked to see this article. My LGBT friends and I have always been welcome at Junxion. I have never felt discrimated against or in any way mistreated. Knowing the owners, manager, and staff at Junxion, I feel completely confident in saying that if someone was denied entry into the bar, it has nothing to do with gender, sexual orientation, or sexual identity. Junxion has always been a completely accepting, tolerant place, and it’s a shame that people will pass judgement and proliferate a bad reputation only knowing half of the story. I know that my friends and I (gay, straight, trans, or otherwise) will continue to support the Junxion Bar.
Also, Jake? That attitude about genitalia determining what bathroom to use is bs. Where I work, you use the bathroom of the gender you represent, there’s a sign next to each door that says so. Does that mean some of the women in my building stand up to pee? Yes. And you know what? I know most of them, and I don’t care. We girl talk just like anyone else. So if you don’t like it, deal with it. 2014 is too late in the game for such bigotry.
Nicole has had a hard time keeping her cool in bars before. She has been kicked out of plenty of bars for being drunk, starting fights…. she wasn’t let in because of a previous incident at another club. She was recognized and not allowed entry. She has an attitude problem and it cost her. Now she’s throwing a fit because the diva didn’t get her way
regardless of their “reasoning”, which to me sounds like they are trying to cover their tracks, why not communicate that to her and her friends?
Im indifferent… This all looks and sounds bad but I have seen this chick around Tucson obviously prostituting herself
http://genderidentitywatch.com/2014/02/03/tucsonweekly-nicole-milania-blanco-v-junxion-bar-usa/
Dear TW readers,
I have responded to this article on the Junxion Facebook page. I took yesterday to gather my thoughts. This comment and the response on our page are the only posts related to this issue that originate from me. Any other discussion about any other tangent (or not tangent but thrown in for malicious defamation of either my or Nicole’s character) issue to this very serious accusation was not participated in by myself and I find to be completely inappropriate. The issue here surrounds what happened directly at the door of my business and why. Nicole’s private life is no more my business than it is most of yours. Lets stick to the issue at hand which is this erroneous and one sided story. This will be my only post on the TW story and I welcome any direct contact to discuss this issue from the community.
Andrew Sommers
Oh hahano, Gender Identity Watch? Please.
“Southern Poverty Law Center has been aware of the Gender Identity Watch Petition from the beginning,” said Kim Rippere, president of Secular Woman, Inc., who posted the petition. “We know that they have an internal process for determining what groups are considered hate groups. We assume they will make a decision based on evidence and their definition of ‘hate group.’ The petition does clearly show that thousands of people are supportive and think that GIW’s actions are within the definition of a hate group.”
http://southfloridagaynews.com/Columns/pet…
I honestly felt discriminated against. When I was denied entry, I wasn’t given one reason on why I wasn’t allowed in. And go be honest. It seemed like they didn’t even care to explain. Nor did they even seem to care. It was cold and very un welcoming. Considering I had been there before in the past with no problem. And the times I’ve been there I conductive myself in a well put together manner and it was with friends to have fun and have a few drinks. And my profession has nothing to do with this
These accusations toward Junxion and owner are completely ridiculous. Not only do I know owner and staff personally, but I am also apart of the Gay community and have always been welcomed. Sexual orientation means absolutely nothing to Junxion and/or staff. If a patron was turned away, there was a reason. Its an embarrassment that an individual apart of LGBT community is pulling the “discrimination card” where it isnt warranted.
she isn’t a prostitute morons! learn the definition of a prostitute before accusing someone of being one. that’s defamation to someones character. To the people making the ridiculous accusations, PLEASE!!! HAVE A SEAT. have several. what she does for a living or on her down time is her damn business….. and shouldn’t affect her entry anywhere. that’s unprofessional.
If it was something simple like behavior they would tell you. It took them 3 days to come up with that excuse? Our emails have been flooding with messages about people with similar experiences and incidents of discrimination at Junxion. Stop trying to save face Andy!
Non-story. Being a “minority” isn’t an excuse for being an asshole and blaming it on “Oh it’s because I’m (blank)” when stuff doesn’t go your way.
Secondly, this bar has been open for a decent amount of time and to think that any bar in downtown f*ckin Tucson can get away with discrimination and not get called out on it is crazy. They’d lose business once word of that would spread.
Having said that, both parties are responsible of fudging a bit. I don’t care that it’s super bowl weekend, if your business is on fire, you extinguish it and don’t say “I’ll deal with it later” The response coming 3 days late does raise an eyebrow.
If that was the case WHY didn’t the manager let Blanco know that night why she wasn’t allowed in the club, & as far as the “neighborly bar” reason were you there ? Did you see what happened? It could have been self defense, & how do you even know if she was really their. That was a poor excuse I say excuse because you can answer to the Tucson weekly as to why she was denied entry, BUT you couldn’t give the 1 person who deserved an explanation that night why? FACTS that was a POOR choice in handling a situation especially on the managers part. Either way you wouldn’t own up to the fact you denied a Transgender into your club and your excuse AFTER the fact shit got real over fb & Tucson weekly took notice THEN you want to give your b.s reason why she was denied to enter the club.. Next time answer the question to whom it really matters too when being asked because I know damn well if any club were to deny me entry you best give me the reason as to why other wise you’d end up looking like an asswhole & your club doesn’t look so good. I hope things work out for you Blanco & hope you never have to go thru this again.. – Lena
This is so ridiculous it’s completely laughable. I have been in this community for over 17years and have known Andy from his days of owning North on 4th. Which is a few doors down from IBTs where I am one of the show directors. I also volunteer with Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation where I pass out condoms and am known as the condom fairy. The other bars along the avenue didnt mind me passing out safe sex stuff but wouldnt let me put out LGBT literature at their bar promoting safe sex. Andy was the only bar owner to let me put out literature so that patrons could see it, take it, and protect themselves. He has always been a friend of the gay community and done a lot for the community as Pete King said earlier. And i love the tucson weekly but am ashamed that something would be posted to slander someone who has worked so hard to create an inclusive space where all are welcome. P.s. I will be at the junXioN tonightvfor a cocktail if anyone wants to join me.
-Tucson’s Black Cat, Ajia Simone
Has anyone noticed that those who support Andrew all speak and comment eloquently? Look at the comments of the Diva and her supporters. The typos, foul language, and just sheer idiocy of the things they are saying should provide proof enough of the type of person they present themselves as. And, as they have presented thselves this way, they were denied entry. Act classy and you shall be treated with class, act like trash and you will be treated as such. Good job Andrew! You have always had, and always will have my support!
I didn’t read all of these because a lot of the posts are mindless rants but I don’t think I missed seeing anyone mentioning it IS entirely legal for a bar to deny entry to anyone they choose simply out of concern for their liquor license. It doesn’t take too much stupidity on the parts of customers to get liquor board investigators looking into any problems, real or unreal. The bar owner has a greater responsibility to his/her employees as well as the safety of the customers.
I am tg and go clubs with my friends or alone. I live in San Antonio & Austin have rarely experienced a problem regardless of the type of club, all straight,( c&w, dance, etc)
I always dress nicely, usually overdressed. I behave myself and don’t make a scene, I treat EVERYONE the way I’d like to be treated, and receive the same in return, I personally know every owner, and almost all employees. I tip everyone, esp. Bar staff, but not to buy them off.
If I’m not welcome Goodbye & go to hell, there are plenty of other places that will welcome me/ us with open arms & a big smile! Word spreads quickly good or bad.
Why would you want to be somewhere, anywhere that you are not wanted???? Or welcome
By the way, I always and only use the ladies room, NEVER an issue. Just saying my 2 cents
I find it interesting that Fox and the other mainstream media aren’t trumpeting this horrific action. I did an Internet search of “nicole milania blanco” and came across other, uhm postings of the same story. It reminds me of the same fringe reporting that has continued in regards to another whiner not being born in the US. That has continued to be a stupid non~story but, with luck this stupid piece of “journalism” will soon die in the crypt.
Wow…..such a sad story. I can’t believe that such a successful establishment can be so hateful. And then to try and defame this young lady to justify their discriminatory acts. Disgusting! I know a lot of people who had frequented this bar. I had never been. They always made it seem like I was missing out, so I planned on making my first visit there this weekend for my birthday with my Daughter, who is openly gay. Neither one of us will ever go there! What a damn shame!
SAD STORY?!?! This is a load of crap claiming to be journalism but not even worthy of the supermarket tabloid stands. It is intended to inflame, elicit sympathy or do anything but actually tell the truth; rather reminiscent of another fabrication from the east coast not too long ago by a server who went public with a fabrication about not being tipped for being gay. That truth was exposed with the obvious unlearned lesson that liars best keep their mouths shut.
First of all this is not discrimination! This just someone crying because they didn’t get what they wanted. As a matter of fact she called it a low class urban and ghetto place. So why did you want to go in the first place? This so called victim is saying she wasn’t let in because she’s transgendered and she was embarrassed because she wasn’t let in but her friends were, and the so called victims friend who said was there is also transgendered. Which again makes no sense. So they let the “victims” friend(transgendered) in, but didn’t let the “victim”(transgendered) in.. Oh that’s totally discrimination!….NOT!!!!! No need to harm someone else’s reputation just make your better!
Another thing… Calling her a him is not ignorant. She might identify herself as a women but she was born a boy…. It’s science and it’s been proven. It’s not wrong to be transgendered… It’s your choice and that’s one hundred percent okay. We’re all entitled to make our own choices. But it not okay to just throw words out there!
She states in her original facebook post that she does not know why they didn’t let her in. She is stirring up trouble because they called her out for doing whatever she did for them not to let her back in. She’s just being a selfish brat trying to get attention and possible ruin someone else’s lively hood. It’s laughable. And anyone with common sense can see that. For those who take her side you obviously did not comprehend what you just read.
Sounds like you are the one with the reading comprehension problem. They didn’t call her out for anything at all, in fact they told her nothing about why she was not let in. She deserves an answer and you deserve a lobotomy.
This business is under no obligation to explain to anyone why they refuse service. After all, how many people make the same issue when they actually get service; “You served me promptly because I’m gay, how could you possibly be so narrow minded?”? Someone, please, please post here the next time it happens here. In the meantime, all this crying in all the fringe blogs is doing absolutely nothing to advance any causes. I’ll help pay for the ticket for this guy to go to Sochi this week and have the same stupid tantrum. Pardon me if I only pay for the first half of that ticket.
No bar is under obligation to tell anyone why they were refused service. But why not in this case and avoid all this bad PR? After all the real world is not black and white, but shades of grey. A little common sense could have been used given the sensitive nature of the person being denied. Instead of Sochi, why don’t you take a one way trip to the middle east where bigots and those lacking empathy like you are welcomed.
First, I have been to many of these countries you think I should go to and many others, compliments of the American taxpayer as required by my commander in chief. Thiese experiences alone have taught me more empathy than many will ever experience, thankfully because very few will have to carry from the battle site another persons injured or dead children.
Next, let’s put this in context. Who went to the media about this in the first place, and why? Did this guy fit into the category I mentioned above that would need my empathy? Did he post to other websites and what was his purpose in doing so? Most of the readers on those sites are nowhere near to Tucson so to what benefit was it to spew so far afield?
Next, my statement about only paying for the first half of the trip was not bigoted but a matter of frugality. Why should I pay for the 2nd half when I’m almost cetain Vladamir will do it for me and I doubt he would say why either.
Lastly, I hope this bar is packed to the rafters with true supporters and maybe when they have a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” dressup night he will be allowed back in.
Met today with the general manger Andrew sommers of junxtion. And we had a long discussion on that night as well as other things. And that night was just a misunderstanding. We discussed the incident and why I wasn’t allowed in and it was a misunderstanding with his staff. We had a big discussion on transgender equality and he’s supportive on lgbt community. Both parties understood each other’s sides. And we both learned from this experience.
From my personal opinion, Nicole Milania Blanco didnt get into the place because she is a trouble maker. She is always starting fights, and thinking she is the best “girl” in the place.
I am a TS girl as well, and we ALL know that Nicole is an attention whore. I am 100% sure she is twisting the story to her benefit. She loves to play the victim, and be the center of attention. It is sad to see how many people bought her bullshit. She was probably wasted, on drugs, or probably bothering straight males( as usual). or some kind of stupid behaviour, and that was the reason why she wasnt allowed in.
That terrible .Seems like they are judge and jury.Im from the north and coming down to Tucson for the winter month. Where can I go to meet up with these beautiful lady .where to you hangout sure would be great Thanks Pat how about a email .patlewis2399@gmail.com