Emily Lyndon, Tower Hamlets Socialist Party
A vital space within the community is at risk of closure following an eviction notice.
Members of the community showed up to a rally on 29 July to oppose closing the doors on the iconic venue. Speakers ranged from performers, members of performing arts union Equity, and other activists working to save London’s queer spaces.
Speakers shared memories, highlighting the importance of spaces like this for queer people, spaces where all can be free and safe to explore their identities. At a time when LGBTQ+ people are seeing their rights under attack, it is essential to protect and maintain these spaces.
Equity general secretary Paul Fleming called for an end to the capitalist property system that constantly puts communities and venues at risk. He called on residents, workers, and audiences to commit to the campaign to keep venues like this and others safe from the hands of property developers.
A campaign of performers, the local community, and local trade unions could put pressure on the local council – run by local independent party Aspire – to give the venue ‘community asset’ status to retain the building’s use as a venue. Tower Hamlets Council must resist pressure to allow property speculators to redevelop the site into more unaffordable housing.
