Sydney nightclub accused of ruining Oxford Street 'safe space'
The 'Glitter King' has slammed a new nightclub on Sydney's 'queer strip' in an open letter.
Sydney's Oxford Street is a queer institution — rich with cultural history and regarded by many as home to the city's LGBTQI+ community.
However Noir Sydney, a nightclub which opened its doors less than a year ago, has been criticised for threatening this "safe space" with allegations of "homophobic" incidents mounting against the venue, with the nightclub responding to the claims.
"This place is making people cross the street and not want to go out because they don't feel safe," prominent drag performer Kevininthecity told Yahoo News Australia.
Despite being a well-known figure in Sydney's queer scene for over a decade, even the 'Glitter King' himself was allegedly subjected to an attack at the start of the month.
"I was literally just walking past and people started yelling things like 'what are you' and 'freak'," he said, sharing he was called a number of other names too. "I hadn't even passed a third of the line and then I got hit on the side of the head with something."
The 35-year-old sustained no physical injuries from the attack but admitted he was shaken from the ordeal.
"Oxford Street is supposed to be that one place in Sydney where being queer or being different isn't viewed as a negative thing," he said.
Fuelled by frustration, he decided to speak out against the venue which is allegedly known within the queer community for having "bad vibes", with reports of another incident alleging a transgender woman being denied entry to the female bathroom by a security guard instigating an online petition for change.
'An Open Letter to Noir Nightclub'
On Tuesday, the 'Glitter King' penned an open letter to Noir Sydney and shared it to Instagram, condemning the "homophobic clientele" the nightclub allegedly attracts. "[You] should be ashamed of the damage you are doing to the queer community here in Sydney," it read.
The drag performer highlighted why queer spaces are so vital, especially for younger LQBTQI+ individuals. He said there had been growing issues on Oxford Street ever since Noir opened.
"Now that I have experienced a taste of it myself, I can't be quiet. I won't sit ideally by and watch." Kevin said the nightclub is not doing enough to address the problem and demanded they "fix this".
"My fear and worry is many people in the community aren't strong enough yet," he told Yahoo. "I think it's about diversity and inclusion at the forefront, I don't think venues need to necessarily be queer venues but if you are going to be on Oxford Street, you need to respect the legacy and the history."
"It's not fair to come to our home and ridicule us... it's morally hollow."
Noir expected to sign Oxford Street Pride Charter
It is believed Noir Sydney is set to sign the Oxford Street Pride Charter, a commitment adopted by businesses on the "queer strip" to uphold and champion the queer community, yet Kevin compares this to agreeing to marriage then "continuing to cheat on your spouse every weekend".
"Educate your clientele or take them somewhere else," he said.
Artist breaks silence over controversial WorldPride artwork: 'I feel horrible'
Vandals destroy Pride sign in Sydney suburb: 'They're not welcome here'
Noir Sydney aware of concerns over 'anti-social behaviour'
The nightclub confirmed with Yahoo News they are aware of the "growing concerns" brought to their attention by the LGBTQI+ community and management are "taking on board the issues".
"Significant measures are in the works to rectify and eradicate any form of anti-social behaviour and ensure the safety of everyone on the street, regardless of race, gender, colour, or creed," a Noir Sydney spokesperson said.
"We believe in equality for all, and will not tolerate anything less for anyone in or around our community."
When asked to expand further on these measures, Noir Sydney failed to comment before publication.
Despite sending the open letter to the nightclub before posting it online as a "heads up", Kevin said he had not received a direct reply from the venue. However since publication there has been "constructive communication" between the drag performer and nightclub management.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
