Dozens of people have gathered to protest outside an LGBT-friendly establishment in east London that faces closure.
London’s LGBT community protests the possible closure of the BGWMC club
Rally organizers say the owners of the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club (BGWMC) intend to sell at the earliest opportunity and claim the programming team are facing eviction. Actors’ union Equity says it is in “constructive discussions with the owners to maintain live performances” at the site, where scenes for the Netflix drama Fawn were filmed.
“The possible closure of another LGBT nightspot in London would be disastrous and lead to significant job losses for drag and cabaret performers,” said a spokesman for the Save Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club campaign. Between 2006 and 2022, more than half of the city’s LGBTQ+ venues have gone out of business, according to the Greater London Authority.
London Assembly member Ellie Baker said: “The closure of this venue would be a real tragedy… especially for emerging performers who could lose their jobs.” Actors’ union Equity said in a statement: “We are seeking assurances that any sale will ensure BGWMC continues to operate as an LGBTQ+ performance venue.”
“We are also seeking guarantees that the community of artists and spectators will have a chance to raise funds for the purchase of the site as shared ownership. This will ensure that the club’s more than 100-year history, which has always belonged to its members, continues.”
It is important that the club retains its significance and uniqueness while continuing to serve as a cultural center and meeting place for all who value its heritage.
London LGBT community: supporting, advocating and fighting for equality
London’s LGBT community is active in supporting and protecting the rights of its members, offering a variety of services and activities to improve their lives. Organizations and groups within the community provide counseling, psychological support, medical care, and educational programs to help people cope with discrimination and rejection.
The community is also active in holding rallies and protests to bring attention to important issues and challenges facing LGBT people. These events include marches, demonstrations and other public actions aimed at raising awareness and calling for action by authorities and the public. Rallies often take place in iconic places in London, attracting hundreds and sometimes thousands of participants united by a common goal – the fight for equality and justice.
The recent rally in support of the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club (BGWMC), which was under threat of closure, was a prime example of such action. The club plays an important role in the LGBT community, providing a venue for drag and cabaret artists to perform and serving as a meeting place for socializing.
These actions and rallies not only promote the protection of specific places and rights, but also strengthen solidarity within the LGBT community, inspire further struggle for equality and justice, and increase visibility and awareness of the issues facing LGBT people in London and beyond outside of it.
