Ape-X, a music events firm and electronic label have been accused of ‘discrimination’ after attempting to charge ‘straight white males’ more for tickets. In contrast, the company offered discount tickets for non-males, ethnic minorities, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and those on ‘low income’ for a techno music event in Newcastle.
But the so-called ‘inclusivity’ tickets for the May 21 event have been slammed by some social media users, who claim the tickets are ‘discriminatory’. Some social media users have even gone so far as to brand the ticket policy ‘racist’ and the events firm ‘woke’. Others have also asked how Ape-X plans to enforce the policy, adding: ‘How do they prove you’re LGBT?’. But some have backed the ticket policy, describing it as an example of ‘positive discrimination’ and that it is helping to ‘balance existing imbalance’.
Meanwhile, Ape-X has since changed the ticketing scheme, which now simply has a first, second, third, and fourth release option − depending on when a person buys a ticket.
The row came after Ape-X released their first batch of tickets for their techno music ‘party’ night at the World Headquarters nightclub in Newcastle on May 21. But the ticket policy ignited a social media storm after the club offered them at a cheaper price for those from minority groups.
Their ticketing link showed the criteria to buy ‘inclusivity’ entry as being ‘non-male, ethnic minority, LGBTQ+, and low income’. However, the price of £6.77 was £2.26 lower than the ‘early bird’ option, which was also on sale.
Under such a ticketing policy, a straight white man would instead have to pay £9.03 to attend the event, and this led to widespread outrage on social media about the unequal fees. The ticket website now appears to list both the ‘early bird’ and ‘Inclusivity Tickets’ as ‘sold out’, with the first, second, third, and fourth release options now in their place
A viral tweet questioned the ‘underground house and techno’ firm’s controversial policy on Monday, and it’s since been liked and retweeted more than 8,000 times. Users have branded the decision ‘discriminatory’, while others claimed that if tickets would have been cheaper for straight white males ‘the world would erupt’ in anger.
The viral tweet, which has attracted more than 150 comments, said: ‘Straight white males have to pay £2.26 more for event tickets ahahahah wtf.’ Another user commented: ‘Well that’s clear discrimination, imagine the uproar if it was the other way around.’ A third added: ‘If this was the other way round the world would f**king erupt.’ One simply said: ‘We are being victimised.’
User @LFCTM1 added: ‘If this was the other way about the they/them brigade would be calling for war. They only want equality when it suits’ and @Bristolraised questioned: ‘How will they check this on the door? Is there some kind of straight/gay scanner?’
However, other users have backed the policy, claiming it’s just an example of positive discrimination to ‘balance existing imbalance’. User @rajamsdale said: ‘People here not understanding positive discrimination isn’t surprising. ‘It’s the same people that will say that organizations preferring hiring women to get more women representation in the company is also discrimination, ignoring the fact that it’s to balance the existing imbalance.’ @CraniumO said: ‘This is what it feels like to be treated discriminately for the way you are born. NOT NICE IS IT?’
The event is being held in Newcastle and is planned to last from 11pm until 4am, with dance and electronic pair Y U QT as the supporting act. Ape-X and World Headquarters, where the night is reportedly being held, have been contacted for comment, but no comments have been made as of late.
Originally reported from Daily Mail
Feature Photo by Kennedy News
