“We’re disgusted at the disdain they’ve shown to the Cork community” – Cork’s LGBT Community Organise Protest of Chamber’s Pub

By News Editor Cormac McCarthy

Members of the LGBT+ community in Cork have organised a protest and a boycott of Chamber’s pub and other Rearden’s group pubs including The Secret Garden, Cabaret and Rearden’s Bar. This comes after it emerged on social media that management of Chamber’s had decided to remove all evidence of the LGBT paraphernalia and décor in the pub and had rebranded the exterior of the bar as “Sinner’s” pub during the week. The University Express understands that there is now no more evidence of it being the queer-friendly bar that it once was. 

Chamber’s has been a staple of the LGBT+ community in Cork for the past decade and half, as it is the only queer-friendly bar in Cork that still remains. It has been a haven for those in the community, who use it as a safe space to express their true selves. It has hosted numerous drag shows over the years with more than 12 regular performers with a strong following in Cork. 

However, after it emerged that the Chamber’s pub located on Washington had cancelled all drag nights to make way for “Sinner’s” nights, the community have expressed their disdain for the actions of management. 

A group of drag queens released a statement saying that they will “no longer be performing in this ‘Safe space’” and said that “in these troubling times for our community it is now more important than ever that we, the LGBTQIA+ community stand together for all”.

The UCC Students Union expressed their own disappointment at the recent actions by the Reardens group. In a statement released on social media, they outlined how “Students are upset about this decision and are frustrated that the only queer bar and queer nightlife space in Cork City has taken down their LGBTQ+ décor in a clear attempt to make the premises seemingly more palatable to non-queer students.” The Student’s Union outlined their solidarity in the post with all those affected by the decision. 

Krystal Queer, a regular drag performer in Chambers, released a statement in social media that reached 300,000 views in under 48 hours. After working in Chambers for several years and having gained a dedicated following, she explained how when arriving to work on Thursday she found “all flags, bunting, images, and pride curtains had been removed.” 

She was then informed not by management but “by word of mouth” that her show was “going to be cut for the next few weeks in order not to scare any of the customers away.” This effectively removed her main source of income. 

Kystal spoke to the University Express about her experience working in the bar and the dwindling standards in the bar itself. “Basically, there has been no security for the past six months in the bar” Apart from the bouncers on the door, bar staff allegedly have had to step in as security during drag shows. “I have been grabbed while on stage”. 

The rebranding of the bar to “Sinners” has also been unwelcome to the regular patrons of the bar. Krystal described more instances of homophobia in what is meant to be a safe space for many. “If you asked any gay person they would say that it’s gotten worse. If you kissed your boyfriend you would be called a f---- and have videos taken of them. One time I saw 2 old lesbians and a group of lads just laughing at them. Management wouldn’t care at all. It used to be great fun, full of fundraisers but it’s really been awful recently.” 

Krystal has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for her, and the rest of the drag queens’ outspoken criticism. “It’s all coming from a place of love, the whole community as a whole have been great. PJ Coogan on 96fm was really supportive, kind and respectful.”

The decision to rebrand the bar has widely been a move to increase profits at any cost and considered an act of “chasing an extra euro or two.” Krystal has performed in many other cities around the country and highlights their ability to be extremely successful in the community.

“You have Club B in Waterford and the Roisin Dubh in Galway. These are run by [LGBT+] who know what they’re doing and are very popular. If they can do this in smaller cities then why can’t they do it here? I love Cork, it’s a great place. In 90, being gay was illegal but you still had more gay bars back then.” This was in reference to establishments such as The Savoy and Loafers who operated successfully for many years.  

Krystal will be performing next Wednesday at a show in The Oyster Tavern. 

The University Express has contacted Chambers Bar but have not received any response from the management. 

Mary O’Connell, a member of the LGBT+ community, described her own experiences in Chambers, which echoed Krystal’s own opinions. “When I was a new first year in Cork, going to Chambers was my first ever time in a gay bar, and it helped me to come out to myself and to my friends. I worry for the next students coming to Cork who won’t have this. This is a slap in the face to Queer people, workers and performers.”

Tom Murphy, a Cork artist and member of the LGBT+ community, spoke about his dismay in the pub’s actions. “I am really disgusted at the Rearden’s group at the disdain they have shown to the Cork LGBT+ community and the community at large who are being rejected during a time of rising hate crimes.”

The boycott takes effect on 14 September with a peaceful protest occurring just outside the courthouse from 9pm until 10pm.