A young woman whose cultural face tattoos caused her to be denied admittance to a nightclub claims that getting inked is a “human right.”
On Sunday morning, Papua New Guinean-born Moale James, 23, went out to Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s nightlife district, to celebrate the birthday of her lover.
However, she soon discovered that security officers had refused to let her into the well-known Latin American club Hey Chica! because of her typical tattoos.
Later, Ms. James denounced the “racist and discriminatory” behavior she had experienced on Facebook.
She now explained to The Project why she values her markings so highly.
“I live with so many different ethnic groups here, and Queensland has a big Pacific Islander community. Many of us wish to practice our cultures, including body art.”
“Policies and laws that do not reflect our community need to be reviewed.” Since this is our culture, we shouldn’t be forced to assimilate; we should be free to follow it.
It’s a human right to do that, so the rules that govern our society ought to reflect both that and the community.
Ms. James declares that she “wants to make some noise” in support of those who want to retain their cultural identity.
All of my pals asked the security guy at the other location, across the street, “Are you going to let her in?” similar to looking at her license or her.
She asked as she turned to face me “Why not let you in, then? We aren’t truly authorized to label and discriminate against you based on, obviously, what our cultural markers are “.
We went there and stayed there for the remainder of the evening.
“Right now, we’re here trying to make some noise for anyone else who might proudly wear the insignia of their ancestors also,” the group said.
“Change the laws and liquor acts that might try to stop us from exercising our tradition.”
Its website, Hey Chica!, lays forth severe dress guidelines.
“Dress to impress; smart casual is ideal; closed-toe shoes are required.” No tattoos on hands, neck, or face. Entry is at the door host’s or management’s discretion, and there may be a different dress code for special occasions. Please get in touch with us before your visit if you would need further information about the dress code.
Ms. James has taken a stance and announced that she will contact with her local representative about the need to amend the “rule” that face tattoos are associated with gangs in order to reflect the diverse community.
She said that the venue must apologize in writing to her.
The club expressed regret for the “unintended grief” it caused in a private message to Ms. James that she then publicized on Facebook but insisted that its policy held.
The message read, “Thank you for sharing your experience and for your understanding that the Hey Chica! workers were following procedure.”
While we recognize that our policy may have unintentionally upset you, we do implement a general rule that forbids head and face tattoos at Hey Chica! in addition to other admittance requirements.
We acknowledge that this is a stringent regulation, but we will uphold it in accordance with the Liquor Act.
Venues in Queensland risk fines if they don’t take reasonable precautions to bar patrons who are sporting attire linked to illegal organizations, such as bikie gangs.
According to Ms. James, who spoke with the ABC, the tattoos were done by her great-grandmother before her community was founded and have been passed down through the centuries.
The village head, she said, asked his daughters to carry the scars and the stories on their flesh, and that request has been repeated throughout the centuries.
To her and her people, “they hold immense spiritual and ancestral worth,” she declared.
Ms. James claimed that after being turned away from the club, she sought the advice of several legal professionals in her neighborhood and learned that the club is allowed to reject guests as long as it does not act in a discriminatory manner.
The fact that I was grouped among thugs, gang members, and dangerous criminals is not my tale, Ms. James insisted.
“These are cultural, and what are you going to do about that,” I returned and asked. and no answer.
Ms. James claims that she only wants people to hear her tale and reconsider getting facial tattoos.
She also hopes that the establishment reconsiders its attitude, or at the very least educates those who set the regulations so they may change the way they regard those who proudly display their marks.