The Queer Emporium

The Queer Emporium is an LGBT+ social enterprise and café in Cardiff, Wales. It consists of a collective of over 15 local LGBT+ businesses operating in the same premises.[1][2]

History

The Emporium was founded in June 2021, originally as a pop-up shop in the Morgan Arcade for that year's Pride Month.[3] However, after meeting significant success, the shop became permanent.[4][5]

In March 2022, the Emporium announced that it would be hosting the first Queer Fringe Festival to be held in Cardiff history in Pride Month 2022.[6] Later that month, the Iris Prize announced a partnership with the Emporium to host a series of film screenings, with profits going to Trans Aid Cymru.[7]

In June 2022, the Emporium issued a statement condemning the decision by Cardiff City Council to grant a licence to a Blame Gloria cocktail bar franchise in the location next to the shop, saying that a crowded daytime drinking venue could pose safety concerns to the Emporium's customers.[8] A petition launched by the Emporium against the Council's decision gathered over 3500 signatures.[9][10]

On the 31st of October 2022 the venue was targeted by a 17 year old neo nazi. A smoke bomb was thrown into the venue, damaging the floor. The Emporium had been targeted as it was considered a centre for the local LGBT+ community.[11] The Emporium addressed the incident with a statement on their social media, reminding the community to support queer venues.[12]

References
  1. Clifford-Jones, Jessica (1 November 2021). "The Queer Emporium – Royal Arcade's queer haven". Gair Rhydd. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  2. Ali, Joseph (20 May 2021). "UK's first 'Queer Emporium' is opening in Cardiff's Royal Arcade for Pride Month". Wales Online. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  3. "THE QUEER EMPORIUM". The City of Arcades. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  4. "Welcome to the Queer Emporium, a magical must-see collective of LGBTQI-owned businesses in Cardiff". Diva. 23 June 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  5. "The Cardiff running club creating a new chapter in LGBTQ+ history". 11 February 2022.
  6. "First Queer Fringe Festival to be held in Cardiff". 2 March 2022.
  7. "Iris x the Queer Emporium".
  8. Peskett, Ted (17 June 2022). "Queer Emporium claims new cocktail bar will 'compromise safety of our customers'". Wales Online. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  9. James, Alastair (24 June 2022). "The owner of Cardiff's Queer Emporium would have 'no choice' but to close and move if a bar opens nearby". Attitude. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  10. "Plan to open bar next to Cardiff space for vulnerable LGBTQ youth sparks petition".
  11. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/mein-kampf-windrush-nazi-port-talbot-raf-b2403467.html
  12. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw70j4uoRxy/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
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