Sydney's LGBTQIA+ community is facing a coordinated campaign of intimidation by the far-right, resulting in a wonderful new queer performance space shutting down. Platitudes aren’t enough. The Minns Government must step in and put its money where its mouth is and provide emergency funding for Divine Playhouse. Now.

A huge amount of blood, sweat, tears and money have gone into this venture which was set to support hundreds of performers, technicians, promoters, creative businesses and staff over the course of its one year lease. That’s now been cancelled. 

So where is the Government? The Minns Government talks a big game when it comes to its vibrancy reforms. We’ve even got a 24 Hour Economy Commissioner with a pretty hefty budget and workforce. Where is he? Where are they?

The Government didn’t think twice before giving Bluesfest a $500,000 lifeline despite its track record. And they shouldn’t think twice now.

When a queer arts space is targeted by right wing extremists and that pressure succeeds in shutting it down, an incredibly dangerous precedent is set. The Government must show its support to Sydney’s queer community, and to the independent arts sector, by providing emergency funding and support for Divine Playhouse to find a new venue so their incredible program of work, play and fun can continue.