The Collective is a response to local reporting of the Bretonside area becoming Plymouth's 'gay village' after the welcome move of OMG onto Vauxhall Street, joining other established queer venues Gossip and The Swallow - already on the adjoining Bretonside strip.
QDC was the first established action group of Farleys Co-operative CIC in 2021. Part of Farleys’ aims as a CIC included supporting the local LGBTQIA+ community through events and activities inside and surrounding the co-operative. QDC is now run by volunteers separately from Farleys as its own unincorporated group.
Why Queer District Collective?
We identify as queer to be inclusive of all members of the community, embracing intersectional experiences and fluid identities. We are radically inclusive, continuing the trend of reclaiming the slur like those who fought for intersectional LGBTQ+ rights before us.
To QDC the word Queer means:
“Denoting or relating to a sexual or gender identity that does not correspond to established ideas of sexuality and gender, especially heterosexual norms.”
Whilst the idea of a "gay village” is something to be celebrated, we feel the term doesn't recognise the wider queer community.
“Queer District” brings people in, signalling immediately that all of the community are welcome here, and that it is their open space, regardless of personal identifiers.
Why is a Queer District Collective needed?
National crime reporting shows that homophobia and transphobia are on the rise significantly across the country (Source: Pink News).
With the establishment of this Collective, we can champion and celebrate local queer lives, challenge existing prejudices, and be a positive force for reducing and eradicating incidents of abuse and violence, especially of that experienced by queer people locally.
We will not tolerate any form of hate or violence directed at queer people.
