NAKED CITY

Real Life Magic Mike Club Sues After Being Made To Cover The Goods

A gay strip club in North Miami Beach is suing the city, claiming demands it cover up its dancers amount to discrimination.

NMB has banned total nudity in clubs where liquor is sold since 1994, but the ordinance has never been enforced until Swinging Richards, a gay venue on Biscanyne Boulevard, opened in October. Owner C.B. Jones says it’s a double standard: “Female dancers have been allowed to dance nude and serve alcohol for years but as soon as a gay club is introduced the city has wanted to enforce old ordinances.”

As the Miami Herald points out, the club was never cited for violations during the decades it was a straight club featuring nude female dancers. Dean’s Gold and G5ive Lounge, two other NMB venues, also offer female nudity and have never had a problem. Now, the city wants to bring all three clubs up for violations.

“Does everyone want to see nude male dancers onstage? Unequivocally no,” Jones said. “But do they have as much right to view male performers as heterosexual patrons have to view female performers. Is the city’s reaction to nude male performances fair? Is this equal protection or is this discrimination against gender or sexual preference? What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

Is this the last frontier of LGBT rights?

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated