For as many glittering and positive stories that come out during Pride Month, there are also ones that are truly heartbreaking. It is with a heavy heart, that an iconic safe, and gorgeous space for the LGBTQI community in Cape Town, has announced their decision to close.
In social media posts, The Raptor Room expressed that the decision was a result of Covid-19’s detrimental impact.
The message and caption were equally beautiful.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce due to the hard past year and continuing troubles caused by the pandemic, Raptor Room will be closing its doors for good. Our last day will be the 20th of June 2021.”
“Being Queer is more than just a flag or space, we are a community of individuals full of love, acceptance, uniqueness and bravery. We are unfaltering in our pursuit for happiness, visibility, and acceptance, and I truly am so proud to have served you all for these past 4 years.”
“To all the late nights, the amazing artists, the fierce drag community, the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies. I dedicate these last 4 years to you.
Be kind, be yourself and love one another.
“Sincerely & queerly,”
Amy Liley & the whole Raptor Room team.
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Music journalist Tecla Ciolfi of Texx and the City expressed how painful the news was and what a huge loss it was, not just for the LGBTQI community but for live music in Cape Town too.
“I absolutely hate having to write news like this, especially at the beginning of Pride Month,” she wrote.
She expressed that the news is “a huge blow to the live scene and LGBTQI community, who “were welcomed with open arms by The Raptor Room’s entire team.”
The Raptor Room has been a divine, kind, gorgeously fun and welcoming gem since 2016.
The ‘little pink unicorn’ as the restaurant calls itself, also gave live music artists in the city a different space to share their musical talents. Their Burgers & Beats events for one saw various artists on the decks including @iamtazme, @aloealoemusic @victoriesaintgold.
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There were also many live performances, where a few notable artists made their debuts. Additionally, drag events like ‘Sync or Swim’ allowed queens to shine on stage.
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The Raptor room was the epitome of being oneself and showcasing pride, even painting the streets of Cape Town in a rainbow flare in 2020.
Rainbow road painted outside The Raptor Room to honour queer patrons
Sadly, by the 20th of June, the Raptor Room will close its doors, and Roeland Street will be a dull shadow of a once kaleidoscopic neon memory.
Picture:@theraptorroom