Growing up in Western Sydney just like many, I didn’t have much places to explore and find myself, until I found a nightclub named ARQ located in Sydneys Iconic Gay scene.

It struck a chord inside of myself seeing recent news that the land is being planned for residential redevelopment, ARQ helped me develop life long connections that have forever changed the course of my life for the better. Just like many who set foot in that iconic trash alley we all have a common story of unity and finding friendship within the space.

But it just isn’t just about losing ARQ it’s about the potential loss of the boarding house above the premises named Albion house.

This site is actually a home to many people it’s a loss that would displace many that call it home, it’s international students, LGBTQIA+ youth & at risk individuals who may not have any other places to go.

“They’re refuges: places to express ourselves and be with our community after an exhausting week of microaggressions, back-in-the-closet moments and pretence.” - Gary Nunn https://sydneysentinel.com.au/2021/09/arq-sydney-for-sale-at-what-point-do-we-say-no-to-development/

ARQ, Bodyline & Albion House has been a needed home for many, including the LGBTQIA+ Community spanning for over 2+ decades

The club’s loyal punters and the sauna’s regular patrons have patiently waited to experience the renovations promised to them earlier this year.

As one of the few venues still surviving the NSW government’s lockout laws and COVID-19 capacity restrictions, the community had been looking forward to returning to Shadd Danesi’s venues as they have been at the heart of our community for over 20 years and so we cannot give our support to the sale of the site for the purpose of redevelopment purposes.

That is why we are asking you to sign this petition, to save our home and to let Shadd Daniel Danesi, The City of Sydney & for any future residential developers That these spaces are crucial for the community and is here to stay for future generations to come.