On May 3, 2025, what began as a festive afternoon at a Kentucky Derby watch party at Boston’s upscale Liberty Hotel turned into a nightmare for Ansley Baker and Liz Victor, a lesbian couple from Dorchester, Massachusetts. The couple was forcibly removed from the hotel after a security guard accused Baker of being a man in the women’s restroom, demanding she prove her gender with identification. The incident, marked by public humiliation, misgendering, and alleged verbal abuse, not only left the couple shaken but also ignited a firestorm of controversy, prompting a rare investigation by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). This 5000-word article delves into the incident, its aftermath, the hotel’s response, the broader societal context, and the implications for civil rights and inclusivity in public spaces.

The Incident: A Traumatic Encounter

Ansley Baker, a 28-year-old cisgender woman who stands 6 feet tall with short hair, and her girlfriend, Liz Victor, were enjoying a Kentucky Derby-themed event at the Liberty Hotel, a luxury establishment in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. The event, held on the hotel’s patio, moved indoors due to rain, and Baker needed to use the restroom. Victor accompanied her, a precaution they often took because Baker’s gender-nonconforming appearance frequently elicited stares or comments in women’s restrooms.

According to Baker, she was inside a stall when a male security guard began banging on the door, shouting that a man was in the women’s bathroom. “All of a sudden there was banging on the door,” Baker recounted in an interview with CBS Boston. “I pulled my shorts up. I hadn’t even tied them. One of the security guards was there telling me to get out of the bathroom, that I was a man in the women’s bathroom. I said, ‘I’m a woman.’” Despite her protests, the guard demanded to see her identification to “prove” her gender, an action Baker described as humiliating.

Victor, who was standing near the sinks, witnessed the confrontation escalate. “At one point, I shouted, ‘Have you ever seen a lesbian before?’” she recalled. “You need to learn what’s an actual threat versus a woman using the restroom.” The couple was escorted out of the bathroom, with Baker alleging that other women in line made transphobic remarks, such as “Get him out of here” and “He’s a creep.” The ordeal culminated in the couple being ejected from the hotel, left crying and shaking on the sidewalk.

The couple vehemently denied the hotel’s initial claim that they were sharing a single stall, a justification the hotel later retracted. “If that’s what he thought the issue was, once he opened the stall door, obviously there was only one person in there, so it should’ve been case closed,” Victor said. The incident, described by the couple as “traumatizing, discriminatory, and dehumanizing,” sparked immediate backlash when Victor posted a Google review detailing their experience.

The Liberty Hotel’s Initial Response: A Misstep

The Liberty Hotel’s initial response, posted on Instagram, exacerbated the controversy. The hotel claimed that “several guests alerted security about two adults occupying a single bathroom stall” and alleged that one of the women “put their hands on our security team,” leading to their removal. The statement emphasized the hotel’s “zero-tolerance policy for any physical altercations” and asserted its allyship with the LGBTQ+ community, stating, “The Liberty Hotel is and always will be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and a place where everyone is welcome and celebrated.”

Victor and Baker disputed these claims, insisting they were never in the same stall and that any physical contact was minimal, with Victor attempting to redirect the guard’s attention. Their attorney, Lenny Kesten, accused the hotel of issuing a “false, demeaning, defamatory statement to attack the victims for what their guard had done rather than profoundly apologize and do something appropriate.” The hotel’s narrative was widely criticized as victim-blaming, and the couple’s Google review triggered a wave of one-star reviews from supporters, some of whom called for a boycott of the hotel.

Public outrage grew as media outlets, including CBS Boston, The Boston Globe, and The Guardian, covered the story. The hotel’s initial statement was seen as tone-deaf, failing to acknowledge the couple’s trauma or offer a direct apology. The discrepancy between the hotel’s account and the couple’s version of events fueled speculation that the hotel was attempting to deflect responsibility.

The Hotel’s Reversal and Apology

Within days, on May 6, 2025, the Liberty Hotel issued a revised statement, acknowledging that its investigation had concluded and admitting that the security guard’s actions were “well beyond regrettable.” The hotel announced several corrective measures:

• The security officer was suspended immediately, later confirmed to have been fired.
• The general manager would reach out to Baker and Victor.
• Mandatory retraining on inclusive practices and guest interaction protocols would be conducted for all staff, with a focus on creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals.
• A donation would be made to a local LGBTQ+ organization on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17.

The updated statement included an apology: “No guest of ours should ever be treated in a manner that is anything other than respectful and welcoming. We apologize to our guests and to our community, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. We continue to work on making amends with Ansley and Liz, while we have taken corrective action and sensitivity training. We also want to acknowledge that there were missteps in our initial handling of this, and we are committed to doing everything we can to rectify it.”

Despite the apology, Baker and Victor expressed dissatisfaction, noting the absence of a retraction of the hotel’s initial claim about the stall-sharing allegation. “We have not seen any public statement with an apology nor a retraction of their original claims to clarify that Ansley was the only one in the stall,” they told NewsCenter 5. The couple’s frustration underscored a broader sentiment that the hotel’s response, while improved, fell short of fully addressing the harm caused.

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination Steps In

On June 10, 2025, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) took the unprecedented step of initiating a commission-led complaint against the Liberty Hotel, a rare move that signaled the severity of the incident. The MCAD, established to enforce Massachusetts’ anti-discrimination laws, determined that the couple’s experience constituted a violation of their civil rights and a matter of public concern. Attorney Lenny Kesten praised the commission’s intervention, stating, “The commission has taken a very rare step for which we are grateful. The commission has determined what had happened to these two women was a violation of their civil rights, and a matter of public concern.”

Massachusetts has a robust history of protecting LGBTQ+ rights, having been the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004 following the Goodridge v. Department of Public Health decision. Since 1989, the state has prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation in public accommodations, and in 2016, it extended protections to gender identity. The MCAD’s involvement underscored the state’s commitment to upholding these protections, particularly in light of rising anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric nationwide.

The couple also filed complaints with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, which confirmed it was processing the submissions. The MCAD’s investigation, which began in June 2025, is ongoing, and while the couple has not threatened legal action, the commission’s complaint could lead to penalties or mandated reforms for the hotel.

Political and Community Response

The incident drew condemnation from local leaders and advocacy groups. Massachusetts State Representative Jeff Roy denounced the treatment of Baker and Victor, stating, “Ansley was not only misgendered, she was publicly shamed, stripped of her dignity, and denied access to a basic facility.” Roy’s comments highlighted the broader implications of the incident, framing it as a violation of fundamental human rights.

Nina Selvaggio, Executive Director of Greater Boston PFLAG, contextualized the incident within a larger pattern of harassment faced by gender-nonconforming individuals. “For gender nonconforming, lesbians, women in general, being harassed in public restrooms is a tale as old as time,” she said. “The surge in national anti-trans rhetoric is contributing to an increased policing of women’s bodies and their expression of gender.” Selvaggio’s remarks pointed to a 2024 FBI report noting a 16% increase in hate crimes based on gender identity and a 23% rise in those based on sexual orientation, underscoring the heightened risks faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

The couple reached out to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s office, hoping to prevent similar incidents. Their advocacy resonated with community members, some of whom posted negative reviews of the Liberty Hotel online, though many of these were later removed from Google. The public’s response reflected a growing demand for accountability and inclusivity in public spaces.

Behind-the-Scenes: The Liberty Hotel’s Operations and Culture

The Liberty Hotel, a five-star property housed in a former 19th-century jail, is known for its luxury accommodations and vibrant social scene. Managed by a prominent hospitality group, the hotel has positioned itself as a progressive venue, hosting events like Pride celebrations and partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations. However, the incident raised questions about the hotel’s internal culture and training practices.

Security personnel at high-end hotels are typically trained to prioritize guest safety and discretion, but the guard’s aggressive behavior suggested a lack of sensitivity to gender diversity. Industry experts note that security training often focuses on physical threats rather than cultural competence, leaving gaps in handling situations involving marginalized groups. The hotel’s decision to fire the guard and mandate retraining indicates an acknowledgment of these deficiencies, but critics argue that such measures are reactive rather than proactive.

Behind-the-scenes accounts from former hospitality workers suggest that high-pressure environments like the Liberty Hotel can foster rushed decision-making, particularly during crowded events like the Kentucky Derby party. The hotel’s initial claim about stall-sharing may have been an attempt to justify the guard’s actions based on incomplete information, a misstep that damaged its credibility. The general manager’s outreach to Baker and Victor, while a step toward reconciliation, has not been publicly detailed, leaving questions about the sincerity of the hotel’s efforts to make amends.

Controversies and Critical Reception

The Liberty Hotel’s handling of the incident drew sharp criticism from media outlets and advocacy groups. The Boston Globe described the hotel’s initial response as “defensive,” arguing that it prioritized reputation management over accountability. The Guardian highlighted the couple’s trauma, framing the incident as part of a broader trend of bathroom policing fueled by anti-trans rhetoric. Metro Weekly noted that the controversy exposed the vulnerability of gender-nonconforming individuals, even in progressive states like Massachusetts.

Social media amplified the backlash, with posts on platforms like X expressing outrage over the couple’s treatment. One user wrote, “Transphobia harms cis women too. This is the future fuelled and funded by people like JK Rowling,” linking the incident to broader debates about gender and public spaces. Another post praised the MCAD’s intervention, calling it a “step toward justice.” While these sentiments were not conclusive evidence, they reflected a groundswell of support for Baker and Victor and a demand for systemic change.

The hotel’s donation to an LGBTQ+ organization was met with mixed reactions. Some viewed it as a meaningful gesture, while others criticized it as performative, arguing that a donation on IDAHOBIT did not address the couple’s specific grievances. The removal of negative Google reviews also sparked controversy, with some accusing the hotel of suppressing criticism, though Google’s policies on review moderation may have played a role.

Societal Context: Bathroom Policing and Anti-LGBTQ+ Rhetoric

The incident at the Liberty Hotel occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions over bathroom access, driven by anti-trans legislation and rhetoric in the United States. While Massachusetts law explicitly protects the right of individuals to use restrooms consistent with their gender identity, national debates have emboldened some to challenge others’ presence in gendered spaces. The 2024 presidential election and subsequent policy shifts under the second Trump administration amplified anti-trans narratives, with proposals to restrict bathroom access based on biological sex gaining traction in conservative circles.

These debates have spillover effects, impacting cisgender women like Baker who present in gender-nonconforming ways. A 2023 report by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women highlighted the intersection of sexism, homophobia, and transphobia in public spaces, noting that gender-nonconforming individuals are disproportionately targeted for harassment. The report’s findings align with Selvaggio’s assertion that bathroom policing is “a tale as old as time,” rooted in rigid gender norms and exacerbated by contemporary political rhetoric.

Historical parallels exist, such as the 1980s and 1990s when lesbian and gender-nonconforming women faced similar scrutiny in public restrooms. Massachusetts’ progressive legacy, including its pioneering role in LGBTQ+ rights, makes incidents like this particularly jarring, highlighting the gap between legal protections and lived experiences.

Legal and Policy Implications

The MCAD’s commission-initiated complaint is a significant development, as such actions are rare and typically reserved for cases with broad public impact. The commission’s authority includes investigating allegations of discrimination, imposing fines, and mandating policy changes. If the investigation finds the Liberty Hotel liable, the hotel could face financial penalties or be required to implement comprehensive diversity training and anti-discrimination policies.

The incident also raises questions about the enforcement of public accommodation laws. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 98, prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The Liberty Hotel, as a public accommodation, is bound by these laws, and the guard’s actions appear to violate them by denying Baker access to a facility based on perceived gender.

Broader policy implications include the need for standardized training for security personnel in hospitality settings. Advocacy groups like MassEquality have called for mandatory LGBTQ+ sensitivity training across industries, arguing that voluntary measures are insufficient. The incident may prompt legislative proposals to strengthen anti-discrimination protections or increase oversight of public accommodations.

The Couple’s Advocacy and Resilience

Despite their trauma, Baker and Victor have emerged as advocates for change. By sharing their story with media outlets and engaging with local officials, they aim to prevent similar incidents and support others who face discrimination. “We know we’re not the only ones that face this kind of thing,” Baker said. “We just hope it doesn’t happen again and that other people who go through this receive the same support.”

Their decision to file complaints with the MCAD and the Attorney General’s Office reflects a commitment to holding institutions accountable. Their public statements emphasize the universal nature of their experience, noting that trans women face similar harassment “every single day in the U.S. and across the world.” Their resilience has inspired community solidarity, with supporters rallying around their call for inclusivity.

The incident at the Liberty Hotel is a stark reminder that even in progressive enclaves like Boston, discrimination persists, fueled by stereotypes and inadequate training. Ansley Baker and Liz Victor’s ordeal exposed the fragility of inclusivity in public spaces and the devastating impact of misgendering and bathroom policing. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination’s intervention signals a commitment to justice, but the incident’s resolution hinges on meaningful reforms at the Liberty Hotel and beyond.

The hotel’s apology and corrective actions are steps in the right direction, but they must be accompanied by transparency, accountability, and a genuine effort to rebuild trust with the LGBTQ+ community. For Baker and Victor, the fight is not just about their own experience but about ensuring that no one else endures the humiliation they faced. As society grapples with evolving norms around gender and identity, this incident serves as a clarion call for empathy, education, and systemic change.