Story perspectives

Ferndale Bar Apologizes After Cisphobia Claim, Retrains Staff

4/24/2026

Center

Patron Accuses

Patron posted a TikTok showing a bartender using a black-light, alleging “cisphobia,” while other patrons shouted during the April 14 incident.
Bartender at Soho bar in Ferndale told patron to leave after deeming her ID invalid, leading the bar to apologize.
Manager blamed confusion between state IDs and driver’s licenses and offered the patron complimentary drinks.
Bar pledged staff retraining, de-escalation procedures and a zero-tolerance discrimination policy.

Left

Lauren Accuses Bar

Patron Lauren alleges the Detroit bar has repeatedly mistreated Black and transgender customers over multiple incidents.
The confrontation over an ID dispute at the venue prompted the bar to issue an apology.
Lauren may file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights in Detroit.
Management announced training on communication, de-escalation, ID verification, and reaffirmed its 20-year LGBTQ+ commitment publicly.

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Patron Accuses

Patron posted a TikTok showing a bartender using a black-light, alleging “cisphobia,” while other patrons shouted during the April 14 incident.
Bartender at Soho bar in Ferndale told patron to leave after deeming her ID invalid, leading the bar to apologize.
Manager blamed confusion between state IDs and driver’s licenses and offered the patron complimentary drinks.
Bar pledged staff retraining, de-escalation procedures and a zero-tolerance discrimination policy.

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