One of Liverpool's cultural staples has shut its doors after four years of service curating events in the city.
Liverpool Queer Collective, which serviced the LGBT+ community and celebrated queer culture across Liverpool, announced its closure on Monday, August 16.
The organisation now wants to donate its leftover funds to LGBT+ organisations or people in Merseyside who are in need of support.
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Liverpool Queer Collective was founded to give LGBT+ people in Merseyside a platform to raise their voices, offering an alternative to mainstream LGBT+ nightlife and the gay 'scene'.
They facilitated and curated queer and trans-friendly events both physical and virtual, including their regular LGBT+ storytelling sessions.
Elsewhere, they promoted the work of LGBT+ creatives in Merseyside, including a 'Pride in lockdown' zine produced by graphic designer Leo Soph Welton.
Core team members Mel Underwood-Owen, Char Binns and Andrew Bullock wrote in an open letter on their website :
"Dear friends,
"It is with sadness that we announce the closure of Liverpool Queer Collective. We are so proud to have built this incredible community over the last four years. From gallery tours to vintage video games, Zine making to storytelling, we’ve had a ball. Thank you so much to everyone who has attended, shared or supported our work.
"LQC has been our love letter to this community. Our work was achieved with no budget and no paid staff. Sadly, we no longer have the capacity to continue this work at the high standards we’d expect you to hold us to, so it’s time to bow out.
"A few of our projects may continue but under a different banner... watch this space. But mostly, we hope that our legacy will be one that has encouraged collaboration and care within the LGBTQIA community, rather than competition.
"We know this will be sad news for many of you and we send our love and solidarity to the entire community. We’ll still be active as individuals, as a voice for this wonderful community and, after some rest, may even be open to new collaborations. But for now, we’re winding things down.
"Due to ticket sales and donations, we have a few hundred pounds left in our bank account. As ever, we want your involvement. If you know of a Merseyside-based LGBTQIA organisation doing amazing things or a queer individual who needs some support, send us your suggestions by August 23, 2021. We’ll review your choices and make appropriate donations as best we can.
"Thank again for 4 lovely years."
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