LGBT Customer Responds to Allegations of Forcing Waiter to Stand for Two Hours
JUDE BACALSO – The LGBT writer issued a statement following allegations that he forced a waiter to stand for two hours after being called “sir.” Bacalso insisted that his intention was to educate people who misgender him and denied demanding that the waiter stand as punishment.
In his statement, Bacalso clarified that he informed the restaurant owners, whom he knows personally, about the incident rather than making it a public issue. He emphasized that one of the restaurant owners is a transwoman, whose transition he has witnessed over the years, making the misgendering more significant to him.
Bacalso explained, “Did the staff stand there for hours? Yes, we were waiting to resolve it with the owners. Did I demand that he stand there as punishment? No. The supervisor was there when I discussed with the erring staff that perhaps a gender sensitivity seminar would benefit them..” He added that the supervisor saw this incident as a wake-up call and welcomed the idea of a seminar.
Bacalso also highlighted Cebu City’s anti-discrimination ordinances, suggesting that the incident should be resolved between him and the staff.
The incident was shared on social media by John Calderon, who claimed to have witnessed the waiter standing for two hours. Calderon recounted asking Bacalso if he was the owner or a customer, to which Bacalso sarcastically replied, “Go ask him (referring to the server) what happened.” When Calderon asked the waiter, he replied, “Natawag ko siyang sir”.
Calderon noted that other staff were unable to intervene because of Bacalso’s close relationship with the restaurant owners. He expressed disappointment with Bacalso’s behavior, stating, “You voicing for LGBTQ? For that mere mistake sa server, is that how you want to influence? Part ko sa LGBT myself and you bring shame sa ating community.”
As of now, the restaurant has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.