CEO Michael Lewis and owner Kevin Du-Val of the soon-to-be-launched gay club on Oxford Street, which was initially set to be named after lesbian Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony” song – despite its target demographic being gay men – have apologised for offence in an open letter to the community.
We’ve pasted it below.
OPEN LETTER TO OUR COMMUNITY
“Firstly we would like to sincerely apologise for any hurt or offence we have caused members of our extended LGBQTI+ family with the announcement of our upcoming project.
In our excitement to announce the launch of our new venture, our first thought was to let those in the community we envisioned would be the core clientele know we were building something for them, in hindsight our communication was clumsy and very poorly worded.
Clearly the choice of ‘Pink Pony’ as a name was also an error of judgement given Chappell Roan’s well deserved reverence with queer Women. Growing up as young gay men dancing to Dancing Queen, we selfishly considered the song another gay anthem completely overlooking the wider implications of using it.
We can see the issue with using the song name as inspiration for what was expected to be a predominately gay venue. We have taken the time to see from the perspective of others in our community, and see that we appeared arrogant & selfish, for that, we are sorry.
We would like to reiterate that all members of our community are welcome at all of our venues, there never was an intention to have a door policy of exclusion targeted at any particular group. In hindsight we can see how our nomination of a preferred mix was tone deaf and hurtful and once again we sincerely apologise.
At the end of the day the vibe of venue, the music and those it resonates with will dictate the crowd. Everyone is just looking to find their tribe and a place to belong.
As announced already we will move forward with not only a new name but also a renewed and broadened perspective and sensitivity towards the views and needs of our wider community.
With Love & Kindness
Kevin & Michael”
Editor’s note: Palms is an occasional sponsor of the irregular Gay Sydney News “what’s on” guides. This article is not sponsored.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
