Cis lesbian files discrimination charge after being forced to prove gender in Buffalo Wild Wings restroom

Gerika Mudra, an 18-year-old biracial lesbian high school student, has filed a formal charge of discrimination against a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Owatonna, Minnesota, following an incident in which she was allegedly harassed by a server in the women’s restroom.

The charge, filed through the advocacy group Gender Justice with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, stems from an encounter in April when Mudra visited the restaurant with a friend. According to Mudra and Gender Justice, a server followed her into the restroom, banged on the stall door, and demanded she "prove" she was a girl. The server reportedly shouted, “This is a women’s restroom. The man needs to get out,” prompting Mudra to unzip her hoodie to show she had breasts.

“I didn’t know what to do,” Mudra said in a video released by Gender Justice. “She made me feel very uncomfortable. Now, after that, I just don’t like going in public bathrooms. I just hold it in.”

The server allegedly left without offering an apology. Mudra, who is not transgender, said this was not the first time she had been misgendered in public spaces, but the confrontation at Buffalo Wild Wings was particularly distressing.

Gender Justice argues that the incident reflects a broader climate of fear and suspicion targeting individuals who do not conform to traditional gender norms. “Gerika’s story sits at the intersection of anti-LGBTQ+ panic, racism, and rigid gender stereotypes,” said Megan Peterson, executive director of the organisation.

Sara Jane Baldwin, senior staff attorney at Gender Justice, stated, “Minnesota law protects people from exactly this kind of discrimination in public spaces. No one should be harassed, humiliated, or forced to prove themselves just to use the bathroom.”

The Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation in public accommodations. Gender Justice is calling for businesses to implement better staff training and enforce anti-discrimination policies to prevent similar incidents.

Buffalo Wild Wings, owned by Inspire Brands, has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.

Mudra hopes her case will raise awareness and encourage others who have faced similar treatment to speak out. “It’s okay to stick up for yourself and be okay with who you are,” she said.