A Melbourne cafe proprietor has spoken out after she felt compelled to cancel a youngsters’s occasion hosted by drag queens over threatening feedback.
The occasion was cancelled two weeks in the past after proprietor Meg Anderson began receiving unusual cellphone calls and messages associated to the “Colour me Egg-cited” Easter occasion.
She took to social media earlier this week after uncovering a web-based discussion board which was threatening to trace down the house addresses of the drag performers.
“For any of those who were thinking of protesting an event that has been cancelled for over two weeks, we say we are sorry,” she wrote in a brief publish to the Alice Rebel’s Cafe and Bar Facebook web page.
“Our venue is a venue for anyone and everyone.
“You could be purple, pink, orange or more and we would welcome you with open arms.”
One individual claiming to have a contact at VicRoads mentioned they’d be capable to discover out the drag queens’ dwelling addresses by matching up their automotive registration numbers after they arrived on the cafe, The Age reviews.
“As they crumble, you’re smiling like a shark, predators become prey,” one of many threatening messages posted to Telegram learn.
Another inspired protesters to make the drag queens’ “world rather small”.
On Thursday morning, Ms Anderson additional emphasised that Alice’s Rebel was a spot for “respect” and a “safe space” for the group.
“As a hospitality business we don’t do politics, we do people,” she wrote.
“[We] believe that everyone has a right to be treated with respect, considered equal and know that when they walk through our doors, it is into a safe space that includes creating a space where alternative forms of entertainment that cater to different parts of our community are offered.
“We respect that these might not be for everyone, but we ask that you respect all our customers and staff members’ fundamental right to be treated with respect.
“Please leave the world at the door.”
People have flooded the feedback part of her posts with messages of help and provides to go to the venue quickly.
“Love what you do,” one individual wrote.
“Now with gay sons, I respect just how much venues like your cafe help and save our young people.”
“You’re always so welcoming, and I’m sorry people are causing you drama based on their own wacky agenda!” one other wrote.
“Never heard of your business before, but we’ll be heading over there to eat this week,” a 3rd mentioned.
The “Colour me Egg-cited” occasion included egg portray, colouring-in and video games.
The developments observe the cancellation of plenty of drag performances scheduled by a southeast Melbourne council, as a consequence of comparable threats from protest teams.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
