After Trans Women Are Dragged out of a Bar in DTLA, a Community Rises to Action

[dropcap size=big]J[/dropcap]ust three blocks away from the opening celebrations of DTLA Proud Festival Friday night, a group of trans women and queer women were aggressively and forcibly removed from Las Perlas, the pioneering mezcal bar in downtown’s Historic Core. A video of the incident shows what appears to be a Las Perlas security guard lifting and dragging a woman across the establishment. The tweet and video have gone viral and have prompted a boycott against Las Perlas, which was closed over the weekend but will be opening for business again tonight.  

Khloe Perez-Rios was with her coworkers at the downtown bar when the event took place. She began to record the ensuing altercation as soon as the situation escalated. Her video footage shows approximately four security guards dragging or removing her cohorts using physical force.

"I was the last person to be thrown out with excessive [force] out of Las Perlas and therefore I was the one able to capture everything on video and I’m glad I did because it really shows the lack of sensitivity toward the transgender community," Perez-Rios told L.A. Taco.