The Queer Emporium

The Queer Emporium
Company typeLGBTQ+-owned Social enterprise
FoundedJune 2021 (2021-06) in Cardiff, Wales
FounderYan White
Websitequeeremporium.co.uk

The Queer Emporium is an LGBT+ social enterprise and café in Cardiff, Wales. It consists of a collective of over 15 local LGBT+ businesses operating in the same premises.[1][2]

History

The Emporium was founded in June 2021, originally as a pop-up shop in the Morgan Arcade for that year's Pride Month.[3][4] However, after meeting significant success, the shop became permanent in Royal Arcade.[5][6]

In March 2022, the Emporium announced that it would be hosting the first Queer Fringe Festival to be held in Cardiff history in Pride Month 2022.[7] Later that month, the Iris Prize announced a partnership with the Emporium to host a series of film screenings, with profits going to Trans Aid Cymru.[8]

Cabaret-style tables set out in Royal Arcade for an event in June 2025.

The Emporium has "grown into a thriving hub for queer culture and connection",[4] hosting events both in the shop[9] and in Royal Arcade once the arcade has closed for the evening,[10] including free and affordable events such as a queer parents morning, crafting clubs and "speed friendshipping".[4] They also offer community aid programmes such as a binder recycling scheme.[4]

For Pride Month 2025, The Emporium worked with Jack Arts and photographer Chillee Noir to create a poster campaign around Cardiff.[4]

Controversies and attacks

In June 2022, the Emporium issued a statement condemning the decision by Cardiff Council to grant a licence to a Blame Gloria cocktail bar franchise in the location next to the shop, saying that a crowded daytime drinking venue could pose safety concerns to the Emporium's customers.[11] A petition launched by the Emporium against the Council's decision gathered over 3500 signatures.[12][13]

On 31 October 2022, the venue was targeted by a 17 year old neo nazi. A smoke bomb was thrown into the venue, damaging the floor. The Emporium had been targeted as it was considered a centre for the local LGBT+ community.[14] The Emporium addressed the incident with a statement on their social media, reminding the community to support queer venues.[15]

The shop was also targeted on Christmas Day, 25 December 2023, as someone smashed their window. The shop was set to open at 4.30 to offer a space to LGBT community members during the holiday. They made an announcement about the damage, and let patrons know they might be open later than usual due to the damage.[16]

References

  1. ^ Clifford-Jones, Jessica (1 November 2021). "The Queer Emporium – Royal Arcade's queer haven". Gair Rhydd. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  2. ^ Ali, Joseph (20 May 2021). "UK's first 'Queer Emporium' is opening in Cardiff's Royal Arcade for Pride Month". Wales Online. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  3. ^ "The Queer Emporium". The City of Arcades. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d e "The People Behind Queer Emporium". Build Hollywood. 20 June 2025. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  5. ^ "Welcome to the Queer Emporium, a magical must-see collective of LGBTQI-owned businesses in Cardiff". Diva. 23 June 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  6. ^ "The Cardiff running club creating a new chapter in LGBTQ+ history". ITV News. 11 February 2022.
  7. ^ "First Queer Fringe Festival to be held in Cardiff". Wales Online. 2 March 2022.
  8. ^ "Iris × the Queer Emporium". Iris Prize.
  9. ^ "Alia's Makeup Night". The Queer Emporium. Archived from the original on 3 August 2025. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  10. ^ "Transition with Lars from I Kissed a Boy". The Queer Emporium. Archived from the original on 3 August 2025. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  11. ^ Peskett, Ted (17 June 2022). "Queer Emporium claims new cocktail bar will 'compromise safety of our customers'". Wales Online. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  12. ^ James, Alastair (24 June 2022). "The owner of Cardiff's Queer Emporium would have 'no choice' but to close and move if a bar opens nearby". Attitude. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  13. ^ "Plan to open bar next to Cardiff space for vulnerable LGBTQ youth sparks petition". The National. 17 June 2022. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022.
  14. ^ Pennink, Emily (1 September 2023). "Former RAF cadet defaced Windrush mural with Nazi symbols". The Independent. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  15. ^ The Queer Emporium [@thequeeremporium]; (8 September 2023). "You may have seen in the news about us being involved in a court case regarding an incident last year with a smoke bomb in the shop. [...]". Retrieved 31 December 2023 – via Instagram.
  16. ^ Summer, Ben (30 December 2023). "Shop's window smashed as it opens on Christmas Day". Wales Online. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
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