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Munchies

These Women Market Their Bar as Queer-Friendly to Keep Out Sexist Bros

"Macho types feel less comfortable in a bar full of free spirits."

The hospitality industry can be quite a macho world. As a woman working behind the bar or waiting tables you often encounter and have to deal with sexist remarks or other inappropriate and embarrassing things. Marjolein Brouwer—who set up her own bar called Bar Brå in Amsterdam two and a half years ago—knows what it's like.

"Right after I started working here, something very annoying happened and has had a great impact on me," she says. "I will not go into details, but I suffered from sexism and homophobia in the bar. Two of my gay colleagues were insulted by a nasty customer. This man felt the need to break down their distinct style and then shout 'beer' in a very commanding way. Not much later, I decided to market the bar as queer friendly to keep out those types of people."

Marjolijn's strategy is organizing events via social media that are specifically aimed at the LGBT community.

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