LGBTQI+ artists have been targeted for ‘insulting Christianity’. To queer people, this feels particularly cruel
A queer-friendly arts venue in Sydney is facing potential eviction after religious groups complained that its events insulted Christianity. The situation has sparked a debate over artistic freedom and the definition of offensive trade.
Why it matters
The case illustrates the ongoing tension between religious expression and LGBTQ+ cultural inclusion in public spaces.
Performers at Divine Playhouse, a pop-up in a deconsecrated Sydney church. ‘Christians may tell me my life is sinful,’ James Thorpe writes. ‘Queer artists have the same right to offend.’ Photograph: Anna Hay Performers at Divine Playhouse, a pop-up in a deconsecrated Sydney church. ‘Christians may tell me my life is sinful,’ James Thorpe writes. ‘Queer artists have the same right to offend.’ Photograph: Anna Hay LGBTQ+ rights LGBTQI+ artists have been targeted for ‘insulting Christianity’. To queer people, this feels particularly cruel James Thorpe A theatre pop-up in a former Sydney church has been accused of ‘offensive trade’. But if causing offence can lead to eviction, every artist is vulnerable
Arts venue faces eviction from former Sydney church after religious groups protest LGBTQ+ events
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