Sadiq Khan Backs LGBT+ Venes Struggling Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has given LGBT+ venues a cash boost to help them survive the coronavirus pandemic.
11 LGBT+ bars and clubs have been handed grants of almost £130,000 to weather the latest restrictions in the city.
The mayor stated that LGBT+ spaces are a vital “safe haven” for their customers, where they don’t have to hide their identity.
The venues benefitting from the latest round of funding are:
• Bar CMYK in Merton
• Circa Club in Westminster
• Dalston Superstore, The Glory and VFD in Hackney
• Eagle, Fire and RVT in Lambeth
• George & Dragon in Greenwich
• New Bloomsbury Set in Camden
• West Five Bar in Ealing
Sadiq Khan said he is “so proud” to represent a city that champions diversity and supports all its communities.
“The pandemic has had a significant impact on our LGBTQ+ venues, which we know play a vital role in supporting the community, acting as a safe haven where they can feel comfortable and free to be who they are,” he warned.
As ‘Enfield Independent’ reports, the Mayor said he is working hard to secure the future of the “vibrant” LGBT+ scene across London.
London Night Czar Amy Lamé said the cash was a “lifeline” for venues as well as the “ecosystem of talent” they support, including drag performers, DJs and promoters.
Bal Sidhu, owner of West Five Bar, which received £18,000 from the fund, said the cash had given owners “some much-needed light at the end of the tunnel”.
“The entertainment industry has been struggling with more and more venues closing down or being replaced with residential units,” he said.
“This could lead to certain arts and niche cabaret being lost in the UK, which would be a real shame.”
Read related myGwork articles here:
Study Reveals Most Gay And Bi Men Hid COVID-19 Symptoms From Sexual Partners
Suicide Fears On The Rise In The LGBT+ Community During Lockdown
Four In Five LGBT+ People Say Their Mental Health Has Worsened During Lockdown, New Survey Reveals
COVID-19: What does a global pandemic mean for vulnerable LGBTQ+ people?
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