Venue safety in Perth’s LGBT pubs and clubs has been called into question from concerned community members.

In response to claims of excessive force from venue security, the Cross-Campus Queer Network will be holding a community forum tomorrow at the WA State Library Theatre.

Cross-campus Queer Network spokesperson Shamini Joseph said the forum would be the first step to achieve safe and inclusive venues for the entire Perth queer community.

‘Some allegations that have already been raised have included hostile and sometimes violent security; discrimination against trans people; indiscriminate and arbitrary bannings and the enabling of sexual assault through the continued admittance of sexual predators,’ Joseph said in the group’s media release.

However when speaking to OUTinPerth, Joseph said she had only heard anecdotal reports of sexual assault through word-of-mouth. The spokesperson also could not confirm which of these alleged attacks had been reported to the police.

‘We believe that our venues should meet the needs of the Queer people who frequent them and the community that they belong to,’ Joseph said.

The group has decided not to formally invite The Court Hotel owner Bree Day and Connections Nightclub owner Tim Brown to the forum.

The Reclaiming Queer Venues Forum will be held at the Alexander State Library Theatre tomorrow from 12pm till 2pm.

Benn Dorrington

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