Lesbian couple Keira Williams, from Chatham, and Tracey Seaton, from Barking, thrown out of ladies' loo at Cineworld in Ilford
00:01, 15 January 2015
updated: 12:18, 15 January 2015
A lesbian couple have slammed one of Britain’s biggest cinema chains after they were kicked out of the ladies’ toilets by a security guard - who thought they were men.
Keira Williams, from Chatham, and Tracey Seaton, from Barking, had just nipped to the loo after watching a film at a London branch of Cineworld.
But a guard followed them in and accused them of being male - and forced them to leave the toilets.
Lifeguard Tracey, 28, and bookie partner Keira, 27, had watched the film adaptation of Annie at the cinema chain in Ilford.
Tracey said: “Just like most people, we went to the toilet after the film.
“But when we were washing our hands, this horrible guard came in and told us to get out. He said ‘don’t you know this is the women’s bathroom.’
“I’ve never been so angry and embarrassed in my entire life. He was adamant we were in the wrong toilet, and kept insisting on it. It was shocking treatment.”
The couple has called for a full investigation and better training for staff.
Keira said: “I just want them to train their staff on how to deal with these situations and on how to treat people appropriately.
“It was quite intimidating, and the guard didn’t even bother to apologise. This is the first time either of us have ever experienced anything like it. We were treated in a disgusting fashion.”
A Cineworld spokesperson said: “We are investigating the complaint and our customer services team is in touch with the customers involved.
“We have apologised for their experience and are taking on board their feedback.”
The couple, who have been together seven months, were offered gift vouchers and four free tickets, which they are refusing.
Keira said: “They haven’t apologised to us, they offered us four tickets and a £20 gift card but we haven’t actually heard an ‘I’m sorry” from anyone.”
Tracey added: “We’re never going back.”
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