A PRIDE event has been accused of "reverse racism" after charging white people up to $50 in a "reparations fee" to attend.
Seattle Human Rights Commission officials dismissed the complaints relating to the Take B(l)ack Pride event which is due to take place on Saturday.
Philip Lipson and Charlette LeFevre, who run the city's Capitol Hill Pride event, branded the admissions policy "reverse discrimination",Newsweek reports.
They called on HRC officials to investigate Take B(l)ack Pride as a “possible ethics and elections violation”.
In response, they said the event "does not in fact violate any of your human rights as stated in the UN Declaration of Human Rights."
Officials added: "We would like to urge you to examine the very real social dynamics and ramifications of this issue.
Black trans and queer peoples are among the most marginalized and persecuted within the LGBTIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual two spirit+) community.
“They often face shame not only from the cis-heteronormative community but within the queer community at large as well.”
In a warning to Lipson and Le Fevre, they said: “We would like to recommend, if possible, that you educate yourself on the harm it may cause Seattle’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) in your pursuit of a free ticket to an event that is not expressly meant for you and your entertainment.”
The letter concluded by wishing Lipson and Le Fevre a "Happy Pride", Mail Online reports.
It's not known if any local, state or federal laws have been breached.
Taking B(l)ack Pride is not linked to Seattle Pride, which will be hosting all events virtually amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its website states that white people and their "accomplices" will be charged $10-50 to keep the event free for the "black and brown trans and queer community".
The event was organized by groups Trans Women of Color Solidarity Network, Queer the Land, and the Alphabet Alliance of Color and will take place in Jimi Hendrix Park.
They said: “Taking B(l)ack Pride is about lifting the voices, narratives and contributions of black queer and trans voices.
“It’s about centering who we are and what we need to feel empowered, joyful, and heard.”
Capitol Hill Pride will also hold an event on June 26 and 27 at Cal Anderson Park.
Seattle cops will be banned from the event, My NorthWest reports.
It follows the decision taken by New York City Pride as organizers banned NYPD officers from marching in the parade until 2025.
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