So this past week, at a friend's suggestion, I attempted to attend Turtle Bay on the east
side of Manhattan. It's a standard bar with cheap drink specials, so I thought I would check it out along with my boy friend and my
best friend.
As I approached the door, the bouncer looked me up and down, looked at my boyfriend then smirked and refused us entry to the bar. When asked why we couldn't go in he said it was because we were wearing white shirts and gave a laugh. We moved out of line, then watched a group of straight guys in white tshirts enter the bar. I was furious and decided not to cause a
scene but to Twitter and facebook about it instead.
Well... Thanks to my loyal fans and followers... Tons of people reposted and voiced their complaints to turtle bay. I received an email from the head of PR from the bar expressing their apologies for the "misconception." I understand she was doing her job and being polite, but she tried to spin it so Turtle Bay came out in a positive light.
Bottom line, I was discriminated against. I will not give my business to Turtle Bay and I urge you to do the same. This womans attempt to brush this aside as a misunderstanding is disingenuous at best if not hurtful and offensive to myself and the gay community of New York City.
If they are serious about remedying the situation, they would immediately remove the bouncer as an employee of the establishment.
Thank you to all my friends, fans and followers who
came together in support. They screwed with the wrong gay.
This is absolutely RIDICULOUS. How could the PR person even pretend that this was a misconception? Apologizing for that "misconception" is not an apology that addresses the actual situation. We should all make calls, send emails and file complaints about this behavior, now more than before because they're trying to act as if this was not a crime.
ReplyDeleteBeen there a FEW times. Never again. The bar has always been full of douches. - Gray
ReplyDeleteI am sure they had no idea who they were messing with! Glad you 'Rocked The Boat'!
ReplyDeleteActually, what if they keep the bouncer... And instead, designate one night of the week as gay Turtle Bay night, so he can endure his prejudices.
ReplyDeleteI am the general manager of the establishment. There is absolutely no chance what so ever that you, or anyone, where turned away because you were gay. I am at the door for several hours per night and we NEVER allow white Tees in. At least ten times per night people come back telling us they just bought a five dollar black, or blue or any other colored tee shirt from walgreens, just so they could get in. I am sorry that the bouncer smirked. Trust me that is a tough job out there and none of us would want it...it sounds like he was unfortunately a bit arrogant and I WILL question him on that. I am not accusing Mr. Adams of lying, but he is 100% mistaken. I am uspet with all the rush to judgement on this and I have no problem calling these allegations ignorant, irresponsible and flat out wrong.
ReplyDelete"Thomas" said: " I am not accusing Mr. Adams of lying, but he is 100% mistaken. I am uspet with all the rush to judgement on this and I have no problem calling these allegations ignorant, irresponsible and flat out wrong."
ReplyDeleteThe aforementioned comment left by "Thomas" the general manager shows to me just how insensitive, bigoted, rude, and ignorant HE is and, therefore, TURTLE BAY is.
I will be firing off a letter to the NYS Department of Consumer Affairs over this. I encourage everyone else to do so as well. Discrimination has no place in NYC in the year 2009. Absolutely ridiculous that this happens in a progressive city.
I would like for you to explain how my response was bigoted. And how is it rude or ignorant to defend my establishment. We should choose our words responsibly and stay above name calling. I respect all of your loyalty to your friend as well as your influence but I won't sit back and allow false accusations to be made against our establishment without responding, as I am sure you wouldn't. It is not my intention to be confrontational but I'm speaking from the heart and not giving you a prepared statement. Turtle bay would NEVER deny entry to ANYONE because they are gay.
ReplyDeleteI must respond to Thomas. How is it that my boyfriend was wearing a grey Tshirt and was told he couldn't enter and the gentleman behind me clearly wearing a white vneck and jeans was allowed in without question? I thought perhaps I was being sensitive until I witnessed this. I'm not attacking your "establishment" nor am I making false accusations. You weren't present while I went through this. I am saying that I was obviously judged by your employee. Perhaps if you're going to blame it on a dress code then it should be a bit more of a set standard and not depending on the bouncers feelings about the individual.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you should refrain from name calling as I see you have called me "ignorant, irresponsible, and flat out wrong." I think it may be best to leave this in the hands of Kristi.
ReplyDeleteWow Thomas, great job! If the incident in and of itself did not cause me to want to avoid your establishment, your handling of it certainly convinced me that you do not need my money nor that of any of my friends or acquaintances. Thank you for clarifying the matter and have a great day.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! To think that friends and I were going there next weekend. Turtle Bay's actions and reactions will have them out of business before long if this is how they treat ANY customers in this economy. As for me and my friends, we'll spend our money elsewhere. Thanks for the heads-up, Nick.
ReplyDeleteLet's assume Thomas is not lying.
ReplyDeleteHe and his business STILL sound like A-holes, and the place sounds like a total waste of time and money.
LET'S TAKE OUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE.
Looks like a rather disgusting place, in my opinion. Not worth the cost of a Walgreen's T-shirt I'd say.
ReplyDeleteIn NYC it is Illegal to deny entrance to someone based upon the fact that they are gay, which is why they MUST deny it. Turtle bay is in my neighborhood, I won't be going EVER. BTW-Thomas, it's always best to take the high road and say you're sorry if there was a misunderstanding and offer a drink to Nick. But I guess that's not happening--just bad press for you guys.
ReplyDeleteUm... wait a minute.
ReplyDeleteYou're one of the best known young Broadway performers working today, and are a smokin' hot 2(x)ist model. (Not kissing ass, just pointing out the facts.) If YOU can't get in the bar, then who can? What, do you have to be Madonna to get a fucking drink in Manhattan?
Bullshit. In today's economy, it makes sense to spend your money in a place that's welcoming and not chock-full of self-important douchebags.
Keep your head up.
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ReplyDeleteThere are at least 2 pictures on Turtle Bay NYC's website of guys in white Tees. And it only took me a few minutes in their galleries to find them. So it's a stretch to say that they NEVER allow white Tees.
ReplyDeleteWow. I can't believe this is happening in NYC of all places. I have been here almost 10 years as an actor as well as news producer for three of the four major networks. I read about your story on a friends FB page and came to your blog. I agree with the person who advised you to write a letter to the NYS Consumer Affairs, as well as a letter of complaint to the establishment along with a copy of your blog, comments, picture from web site and THEN send it as well as copies to: Time Out NY, Hx, all the NY papers and even Zagats. Also, ask around and see if anyone else has this sort of issue with Turtle Bay. If so, maybe NY1 or local NY news would be interested. But definitely WRITE and send copies. As far as Thomas is concerned...his statements walk a very fine line of defamation or slander, because while he states: I am not accusing Mr. Adams of lying, but he is 100% mistaken.(which implies that he is a liar. Also it's not just Mr. Adam's word vs the Bouncer but Mr. Adams and his friend word against the bouncer. I must admit, it is hard to have any sympathy with the establishment after reading the response from "Thomas". Have you contacted the owner of the restaurant. I'd send them a copy as well. Good luck and please update.
ReplyDeleteBest, KMW
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ReplyDeletewe don't ever allow white tees in the building. There are certain times when it gets hot inside and people take off their over shirts. Our security staff and management tries our best to inform people that they have to put their over shirts back on. The same thing happens with hats and tee shirts. I stand by what I said in that we would NEVER deny entry to someone because they were gay.
ReplyDeleteUm, a bar would rather have guys come in wearing a $5 black T from Wallgreens? Really? Why do people want to go there again?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if this is considered a white T but looks it to me. And is it just men who can't wear them? I thought I would just post a couple of them.
ReplyDeletehttp://turtlebaynyc.aitrk4.com/photos.php?albumid=1178
http://turtlebaynyc.aitrk4.com/photos.php?albumid=1162
Sorry to repost. The first link the T shirt is about the 20th picture
ReplyDeleteThe second link pics 13 and 14 are questionable and Pic 25 is a pure white T.
There seems to be quite a diversity of tee-shirts in the photos on Turtle Bay's site. And that's the only diversity there seems to be. There may not be any white tee-shirts but there are plenty of white people.
ReplyDeleteThe first t-shirt picture I saw was of a guy wearing a thumb ring.
ReplyDeleteIf I were the GM of that place, I'd be more worried about the look of a random guy wearing thumb rings than an underwear model wearing a white v-neck.
Just sayin.
A sports bar with a dress code? That's reason enough not to go.
ReplyDeleteNick, Thanks so much for bringing this to our attention. With so many businesses in NYC trying to stay afloat in this economy it's nice to know where and where no to spend my money. I have taken friends from out of time to Turtle Bay for drinks and fun. No more. Sorry TB this gay will not play.In addition Thomas you COMPLETELY are in the wrong on this situation. You should have extended a hand of sympathy to Nick and not a finger pointing. Shame on you.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sympathetic. I am completely sorry for any distress this miscommunication has caused any of you. Like I said, I'm sure this was a disturbing and unfortunate experience, but it was a mistake. We have never, nor will we ever deny entry to anyone because they are gay. Ever.
ReplyDeletePS...tee shirts are allowed...just not plain white...and we are not a sports bar.
What's wrong with white T-shirts? That's the craziest thing I've ever heard in my life!
ReplyDeleteThey don't let models in wearing white t-shirts because they are, like, real, real classy.
ReplyDeleteStupid. People were turned away from Turtle Bay. The fact that this happened for any reason is stupid. Unless of course the people were drunk or disorderly or a possible threat to public health and safety. And why is it cooler to wear a five-buck t-shirt fresh out of the package than to wear a white t? I think Turtle Bay's days are numbered. New York is the last place on earth you want to discriminate against gays, and then try to word-play your way out of the consequences. Poor Turtle Bay manager. Poor Turtle Bay PR flack. Hope you find a way to hang on to your jobs at that joyless pit for as long as you need to.
ReplyDeleteYo Thomas,
ReplyDeleteI've been in Turtle Bay, wearing a white t-shirt. I don't want to accuse you of lying, but you are 100% mistaken.
And an ass to boot.
Thanks for posting about this! I won't be going there again.
ReplyDeleteI will take my GAY $$$$ to a business in NYC that appreciates the patronage.
ReplyDeleteThis is not acceptable in 2009 in NYC.
The End!
By the way, Thomas, you did Turtle Bay a huge disservice by posting on this page before conducting an investigation into the incident. As many others have pointed out, you should have tried to smooth this over with Nick and demonstrated your commitment to non-discriminatory policies. Second, your argument that Nick must be mistaken based on your experience and Turtle Bay's general policy is not credible since you yourself concede that you haven't even talked to the bouncer - "I WILL question him on that". Why don't you work on the obvious problems with your staff rather than make a fool of yourself here posting comments and demonstrating your own ignorance and poor managing skills.
ReplyDeleteThomas, I've owned a successful PR firm in Los Angeles since '96 and I strongly suggest you give yourself a major attitude adjustment. Either you are getting bad PR advice or you are chosing to ignore their good advice. Either way, you lose. So do your employees working for tips. No customers = no $$. What you SHOULD have done is appologize, offer a bottle of Dom to Nick and his friends, and, as a light-hearted jesture, given them a dark-colored t-shirt with "Never Again!" or "Always Welcome Here!" printed on it. You blew it. BIG TIME.
ReplyDeletehmmm "PS...tee shirts are allowed...just not plain white...and we are not a sports bar."
ReplyDeleteSo Zagat, Yelp, and NY City Search is all wrong in labeling you as a "sports bar". You do know who Zagat is right?
So if I was wearing a $100 designer white t-shirt you'd turned me away until I come back with a $5 black t-shirt. interesting...
Horrible, horrible. And in New York, of all places. When will people just grow up, already?
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be removed from their mailing list and posting your story to my FB page so my followers can know about it. Places that do not exhibit tolerance of any sort are places that do not deserve to be in business.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, Turtle Bay is in my neighborhood, too, and I've been a few times. Late nights there, the homoerotic vibe is palpable, and sometimes "productive." No gay guys, there, though.
ReplyDeleteYou should make post about this on Youtube.
ReplyDeleteLots of traffic on Youtube!
;)
Way to go, Rick. If you want your loyal fans and followers to close Turtle down, we can do it. We can put all their employees on the f'n street where they belong. They'll never work in this town again, at least not in this economy. Anybody who'd work for a bar that won't let you inside deserves to starve, and their kids too. It's a tough lesson but it's only fair.
ReplyDeleteMy bf takes cases like this on contingency all the time, and he wins bigtime. We have to prove the A-hole bouncer knew you were gay at the door, instead of with the girl, but we know how to do this (follow?). Also we can prove he knew the guys behind you were straight.
I've got a cousin whose gay in DC and he had a case just like yours except he's paraplegic from the neck down. We won the case because we took photos as it was actually happening at the door.
Anyway, keep up the good work. I'm very sorry you had your feelings hurt, but maybe the publicity you're ginning up can help your career. You deserve only the best.
Following up on Demiurgical's comment, I just don't understand why a bar would deny entry to certain individuals based solely on the COLOR of their t-shirt. Not the style, not a question of collar versus no-collar, short-sleeve versus sleeveless, etc., but based solely on COLOR??? It doesn't even make sense. I've been to some of the poshest bars around the world, and also some of the diviest, and I've seen guys looking great in a plain white t-shirt in basically all of them. I also think it's worth noting that the bar's website includes photos of young women wearing nothing but skimpy WHITE tank tops and super-short denim skirts, dancing on the bar. The alleged dress code of this bar seems so random and capricious as to be ripe for abuse by the doormen, which would only get the bar in trouble anyway, even if it weren't for their obvious hostility to gays.
ReplyDeleteA little racist there Stephen?
ReplyDeleteBoycott the place.
In one of your posts you said you were NOT attacking the Turtle Bay establishment. Even if you were discriminated against, you are still attacking the establishment by asking fellow community members not to give their business to Turtle Bay. Also, is it that hard to accept that one member of society hasn't falling into the "it's okay to be gay" way of life that is being forced upon us? Maybe he was just sick of it. No, he still should not have judged you as his faults are as great as everyone elses', but I see where he is coming from. Leading a boycott because of one insignificant bouncer's point of view is ridiculous. Drop the drama. High school is over.
ReplyDeleteTurtle Bay, like hundreds and hundreds of NYC bars before it, will soon be out of style, shuttered, sold and reopened hoping to be the next flavor of the week. All "hot" bars in this city have a limited shelf life and this one will be no different. My usual impulse would not be to boycott but exactly the opposite - arrive enemas with every gay person I know, crowd the bar and spend virtually no money. However, in this case it wouldn't even be worth the effort as it sounds as the management is already working their magic on killing their business. And what manager has the time to respond to a blog post of a single customer - even if the customer is a Broadway performer? Thomas needs to learn that while the customer might not always be right it is the customer who pays his salary and without customers you're just another person in the unemployment line.
ReplyDeleteI work only a block away from that bar and I take co-workers out for happy hour all the time... certainly won't be going there. Screw them. I'll let all my co-workers know too.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the dress code, it's been my experience that douchey straight bars love to enforce arbitrary rules in order to seem exclusive. No white T-shirts, no sneakers, no shorts, no jeans: by turning people away who don't conform to these rules, it gives them an element of control. Seeing others getting turned away at the door (especially attractive people like you and your friends) makes the ones who do get in feel special and attractive--it's the only remnant of Studio 54 culture left in New York. (These policies are also in place because straight men tend to have no sense of fashion. The gays know how to pull off white Ts, jeans and sneakers in style!)
ReplyDeleteThese types of lame policies are why I pretty much avoid any remotely popular or trendy straight bars/clubs. Spend your money at a gay-owned establishment instead, or go to Rudy's. At least there you get free hot dogs!
Hmm I run a Wednesday night event at Pieces from 8 to 10 and I think we're going to have a WHITE TEE SHIRT night tomorrow night (7/29)..we've got hot guys, cheap drinks, great crowd, we're raising funds for Braking the Cycle and best of all, no bouncer.. Nick, come and join us! :)
ReplyDeleteCan we please take a
ReplyDeleteminute for Adam's comment " I can see where he was coming from" .... I don't even know where to begin with this post...
Can't we all just get along?
ReplyDeleteSparky Rectospangle
Nick, since you're basically asking your fans to trash Adam for his comment, right after we trash Turtle Bay for perceived wrongs against you, here goes: Adam doesn't have a clue about severe Narcissistic Personality Disorder. That's why he thinks they can "drop the drama" or grow up, etc. They can't, Adam, because NPD is incurable. Google it and get over it. You have to accept them as they are. Learn to adore them, feed them, love them, but stay clear of the human harm they cause on a daily basis. They honestly don't mean to harm others, but they feel so hurt they can't help themselves. Severe NPDs exploit colleagues, fans and friends to meet their needs for attention and adoration. They can't tolerate rejection. Or criticism. So lower your hopes and expectations, Adam. Just go along and try to put boundaries around their damage. When placated, they can be highly amusing, loving, and fun to be with.
ReplyDeleteYou're being totally insensitive to expect an NPD to grow up, or to understand someone else's point of view. Ex: Nick can't understand the Bouncer's perspective, and the bouncer can't understand his. They both imagine stuff that's not there in order to support their own hurt and natural paranoia. Nick even says he can't begin to understand YOUR feelings or perspective, Adam. See there?
Mayo Clinic says NPDs have the "moral intelligence of a 6 year old child," and they can't help it. Ororobos asks, "Can't we all just get along?" Yes we can! We can build a better world where NPD bouncers, dancers or taxicab drivers, gay and straight, can co-exist without destroying each other, a world where each feels highly valued and always accepted. If you can't do this, Adam, then you best save yourself and anybody you love by getting as far away from them as possible. They're toxic: If cornered or rejected, they try to take everyone down with them. You didn't notice?
Jas, reading both your entries, you are no friend of Nick's. Actually in the first installment, you called him Rick (I would say typo, but the character "R" and "N" are not close on a keyboard). Too much booze at Turtle Bay last night?
ReplyDeleteHey so sorry to here about that just want you to know that I personally called and made it know that my friends and family will no longer attend any future event until a public statement is made that they have taken care of this problem
ReplyDeleteNick, I applaud your stand against Turtle Bay. It sounds like a horrible place. I recently moved from NYC to Boston but travel back to the city frequently for business and pleasure. I will never darken the door of this sorry establishment and I'll spread the word in Boston. I mean, everything else aside what's up with the idiotic "dress code"? The sooner these cretins go out of business the better.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if the bouncer was discriminating, but I was at that establishment yesterday and this guy was JERK, no manner at all.
ReplyDeleteI know it's a tough line of work, but there were hardly any people in line, no excuses in this case.
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