Help the larger cause · JUSTICE FOR THE DOTTS - Parole Protest 12/2024 (2024)

This petition is deeply personal to me. As a member of the vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ community that once found solace in a space that was known for its acceptance and inclusivity (Berlin), I am disheartened by the recent developments. A new business, Johnson's Chicago, a soon-to-open male strip club, threatens to tarnish this safe haven of a community we've worked so hard to establish.

As a Not for Profit organization whose sole purpose is dedicated to championing queer music artists, visual artists, and entertainers while dismantling stigmas and barriers within the entertainment industry, our mission is to create and safeguard inclusive safe spaces while advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights.Johnson's Chicago has shown clear signs of discrimination towards dancers based on body types and clear discrimination towards women in his establishment. The owner also holds negative beliefs on systematic oppression specifically on the POC community.

The owner (Matt Colunga), has made comments on his twitter about "black lives don't, actually matter to other black lives", stating that there is "no racial division between police and black lives, that police don't target people of color." In addition, the owner had complete disregard for the COVID-19 mandates while some of the most at risk are people, are those in our community with HIV/AIDS. He also publicly video tapes many individuals out in public without their knowledge and marks it as "recruitment", this paints a bad picture on our community and puts the identity of those at risk. Their moral ethics are questionable at best. This is not what our beloved city nor the Chicago Pride Parade stands for.The Pride Parade has always been about celebrating diversity, love, acceptance, and challenging oppressive systems - not endorsing them. The participation of an establishment like Johnson's Chicago would only serve to create a toxic environment instead of uplifting our community.Moreover, their policy requiring women to be escorted by men within their premises perpetuates harmful stereotypes, and promotes for toxic masculinity - this is simply unacceptable in today’s society where we strive for equality.We cannot let this happen without voicing our concerns loudly and clearly: Johnson's Chicago should not be allowed to participate in the upcoming Chicago Pride Parade or any other event that represents our inclusive community values.This petition aims at preserving what we have fought so hard for – an accepting society free from discrimination based on gender, race, sexual orientation, beliefs, and body types – by preventing businesses like Johnson’s from participating in events meant to celebrate these very values they undermine.

Please sign this petition if you believe that all establishments participating in events such as the Pride Parade should uphold its core values of inclusivity and respect towards all individuals regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, beliefs, and body types.

In addition to removing them from the Chicago Pride Parade we have filled complaints with the elected officials of Chicago and the East Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, in an attempt to stop Johnsons from receiving permits to open. You are more than welcome to copy and paste the following to email them yourselves.

Dear Elected Officials and Community Organizers,I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention some deeply concerning violations of human rights laws at Johnsons Chicago, an establishment seeking to operate within our community. It has come to our attention that “the proposed” Johnsons Chicago, located at (954 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657, has been engaging in actions that directly contravene the Human Rights Ordinance (Section 2-160-070) of the Chicago Municipal Code and civil rights laws (775 ILCS 5/5-102) of the state of Illinois.

Specifically, Johnsons Chicago is allegedly in violation of Section 2-160-070 of the Chicago Municipal Code, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on various protected characteristics such as race, color, sex, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military status, credit history, criminal history, or source of income. Additionally, CCHR Reg. 520.150 mandates that public accommodation environments remain free of harassment based on membership in a protected class.

Despite these legal mandates, there have been reports of harassment and the creation of a hostile environment at Johnsons Chicago, which directly violates the aforementioned regulations. To give an example, Johnson's website states, “Woman are only allowed in the establishment with a male escort.” This is deeply concerning for our community, particularly considering the historical struggles against oppression that we have faced. Johnsons Chicago's policies not only undermine the rights of individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community but also impact the entire fabric of our city.

Therefore, we urge Chicago city officials, the owner of the venue, and the chamber of commerce to take swift and decisive action to prevent Johnsons Chicago from operating within the City of Chicago. We cannot allow our community to be subjected to discrimination, harassment, and hostility, especially from establishments that seek to undermine the progress we have made towards equality and inclusivity. We as an organization have created a petition to gather signatures from community members to not only tell their story but also oppose the opening of this new business.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your prompt action to address these violations and uphold the rights of all individuals within our community.Sincerely,Your Name