"Don't fuck with me, fellas!"
The First Time | Simply put, Venus Envy HFX is my "Pink Pony Club"
Two of the prettiest, gayest, queer, smart, sexy, colourful, playful, fun-loving places I cherish on earth are being vandalized by nazi-hate graffiti —“PEDO FILTH” spray-painted on their front door/windows — calling the businesses “child groomers” and for the “extermination” of queer people.
“We also had to cancel an event in November due to the potential of anti-trans protesters showing up. As much as we will persist and continue to be a space that offers safety and comfort for marginalized folks, this rise in aggressive bigoted behaviour towards queer life is absolutely concerning.” - Facebook post by Glitter Bean Café
Always bustling, welcoming, meeting/serving it’s loyal fans, the Glitter Bean Café is the local, a vital community hub, the buzz of all things happening in the city. A queer safe haven of coffee, gatherings, artists, events, and lip-smack’n treats where I’ll meet Sue Goyette for a cuppa while I’m in town.
They, along with my darlin’s at that rainbow palace of ultimate delights, vibrating with joy and good reads, backed by a learned, knowledgable sex-positive supportive staff at Venus Envy HFX, again, one of our most essential hubs—I would even say Queer-Fucking-Central—in Downtown Halifax. My tongue hardens, my orifices come alive, my brain cells activate as they will when her imagination is completely LIT!!! Venus Envy is my playhouse! My “Pink Pony Club!” Ry & Rachele & Christine & the entire gang are on the frontline as the hotline of all sexualities and bodies in wonderment. And do so cleanly, responsibly, with regard for the inquisitive and knowledgeable alike. For so many that front door at VE is the first to be opened by queers of all ages. So, yes, you best believe it’s a “gateway,” to make informed choices for a more pleasurable existence.
An entrance now marked, defaced by the hate-filled. Those who wish us dead.
This brilliant, must-read response post on Venus Envy’s website:*
So, is there really a 2SLGBTQIA+ agenda then? Sure. It is the dream of a world in which kids are safe and free to explore who they are, who they want to be, their interests, their self-expression, and to be regarded as people with bodily autonomy, not property. The need for inclusive school environments and education is so that all children may see themselves and their experiences reflected and not fear those who are different. Comprehensive and age-appropriate sex education teaches kids and teens about their bodies, social and physical changes that come with growing up, gender identity, healthy relationships, consent, and safer sex. Access to this information gives kids the knowledge to identify appropriate versus inappropriate interactions with others, including adults. Ignorance, misinformation, and lack of information are factors that can actually make children and teenagers vulnerable to very real harm whether that is from others or to themselves. For more on this, please read this statement from YWCA Halifax.
As Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford famously said to a bunch of vipers at a Pepsi board meeting, “DON’T FUCK WITH ME FELLAS!” (I know. She’s old-school gay).
My world is held together knowing such places as the Glitter Bean & Venus Envy not only exist, but thrive. These are not only businesses, they are social enterprises providing what is vital to our very being. Space. Place. Information. Community. Goodness.
She’s hoping to return sometime soon, in person, this year to mount something special in support/celebration of, but for now, I’m launching a new EP, My Happy Place with three new tracks/recordings on Bandcamp from my upcoming follow-up to Poetry is Queer, FAIRY. All sales* go directly to Venus Envy’s “Pay It Forward” initiative you can read more about here.
There will also be a free “Listening Party” at Bandcamp where we can listen to the tracks and engage with each other “live” 21 March at 7pm [Toronto time] RSVP.
And, Glitter Bean has it’s own bright progressive option in store where you can purchase coffee/s in advance for those in need these difficult times.
Of course, both businesses are grateful for your continued love and support, as I’ve always said, “support where you live what you love .” (More info on how you can support our beloved Glitter Bean here.)
And know, there’s a queen on Church Street in TO who’s got your back.
—
*In fact, all sales from anything you purchase to download at my Bandcamp site (through the end of April 2025) will go directly to Venus Envy’s “Pay It Forward” initiative. #SupportWhereYouLiveWhatYouLove