6. Open Secret: How Transphobia and Retaliation Went Unchecked at San Francisco’s LGBTQ Landmark
This is Part 6 of a 7-part account of what happened to me — and to others who were directly affected.
It’s based on what we experienced, what we witnessed, and what we remember. When I describe what someone else did, I’m doing so honestly and carefully. I have documentation and support from others for the key parts. I’m not trying to harm anyone — I’m telling the truth about the harm we lived through.
Read Part 1 • Back to Part 5 • Go to Part 7→
Here’s his account on what happened:
The employee hadn’t disclosed this to his employer, nor listed on any ID, or did he share it publicly. Yet, the manager found out.
This case of openly transphobic behavior was dismissed under the guise of at-will employment protections. But this wasn’t just disappointing—it actively legitimized the manager’s actions. By ignoring the issue, leadership signaled that his transphobia was acceptable, leaving the employee feeling isolated, unsupported, and betrayed by the very community they trusted.
Worse still, it silenced others with similar experiences, reinforcing the message that Randy’s harmful behavior would consistently be excused as protecting his mental health.
I remember one night, around that same time, Randy approached me, upset. He told me he felt hurt because “some trans person said” he’d driven them to the brink of suicide, and that hurt his feelings and was negatively affecting his mental health.
If he was telling the, I could only assume the reason was that acknowledging the hurt he caused meant he’d have to admit his behavior was transphobic. He would’ve needed to adapt, something based on theses patterns is a struggle.
That same night he hired a bartender of transgender experience, openly disclosed his identity to me and others, and quickly corrected anyone who misgendered him. And was provided regular shifts and gigs. Yet, just a few months later, he was gone. Randy vaguely said things “didn’t work out.”
This is based on my experience, and on what others who were directly affected went through. Everything here reflects how we saw things happen. When I talk about what someone else did, I’m being honest and careful, sharing what I witnessed or was told. I have documentation and support from others for the key parts of this. I’m not trying to cause harm — I’m telling the truth about harm that happened to me, and to others.
Supporting documents are available upon request.
