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]

The shop was also targeted on Christmas Day, 25th of December 2023, as someone smashed their window. The shop was set to open at 4.30 to offer a space to LGBT community members during the holiday. They made an announcement about the damage, and let patrons know they might be open later than usual due to the damage.[13]

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. ↑ Pennink, Emily (1 September 2023). "Former RAF cadet defaced Windrush mural with Nazi symbols". The Independent. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  12. ↑ "Instagram". instagram.com. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  13. ↑ Summer, Ben (30 December 2023). "Shop's window smashed as it opens on Christmas Day". Wales Online. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
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