Non-Binary Actor Sues Soho Grand Hotel
An actor identifying as non-binary has initiated legal action against the Soho Grand Hotel in New York City following an incident where he was forcibly removed from the women’s restroom by a security guard.
This event reportedly took place on March 5th when 30-year-old Wesley Han, known for his roles in the Netflix series Russian Doll and Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin, was attending a private party.
Han’s attorney contends that the Soho Grand Hotel infringed upon New York state human rights legislation, which forbids discrimination based on gender identity or expression. Furthermore, the lawyer claims that the hotel did not adequately hire, train, or oversee its security staff.
The lawsuit reflects that what should have been an enjoyable evening turned into a degrading and traumatic experience for Han, asserting that the hotel violated his civil rights and acted with negligence.
According to the complaint, Han wore women’s slacks, heels, earrings, a handbag, and a Dion Lee blazer to the party, creating “an elegant and unmistakably feminine outfit” that represented his style and confidence. He typically opts for the women’s restroom when dressed in feminine attire, citing concerns about potential harassment in men’s restrooms.
“To Wesley’s knowledge, there has never been an instance where a cisgender woman has felt uncomfortable with his presence in the women’s restroom, and this occasion was no different,” the complaint notes.
It was only once Han entered a stall that the security guard began to inquire with other women about their comfort regarding his presence. Even though no one expressed discomfort, the security guard allegedly demanded that Han leave, resulting in his humiliation without offering him a chance to wash his hands.
The lawsuit states, “Mr. Wesley was treated as if he were a danger, a predator, or a sexual deviant simply because he used a restroom that aligned with his gender identity and presentation that night.” Furthermore, it adds that throughout the event, Han felt compelled to use the men’s restroom against his comfort and identity.
In response, a spokesperson for the Soho Grand asserted to the Daily Mail that the hotel is dedicated to complying with all anti-discrimination laws and that it has always strived to be a safe environment for the LGBTQIA+ community since its inception.
