Drive to save iconic gay pub
TOWNSVILLE is being urged to back a historic “rainbow” venue to keep the iconic gay pub alive.
Sarah Saunders has launched a campaign to “Save the Sovereign” in a bid to raise enough money to purchase the hotel, which is on the market for $ 3.5 million.
“If someone else was to buy the Sovereign they would turn it into a straight club and it could then lose a lot of its iconic value,” Ms Saunders said.
“It is one of the last rainbow establishments within North Queensland and the only one of its kind in Townsville.”
She said it was a much- loved venue that was known across the world.
“People have been touched and had great times for close to 20 years, not just people that live in Townsville,” Ms Saunders said.
“We’ve had international travellers from all over the world that have come into Townsville and had heard about the Sovereign.”
The passionate campaigner has launched a GoFundMe page and is confident that with enough exposure, the Sovereign can be saved.
“If word spreads of all the different stories and great times people have had worldwide at the Sovereign, people would be willing to donate a few dollars here and there,” Ms Saunders said.
“I believe that with enough advertisement and word of mouth, Townsville, North Queensland, Australia and possibly the world would get behind continuing to keep the Sovereign running as is.
“We’ve had so many businesses, organisations and companies that have basically pulled out of Townsville be- cause it’s not financially viable. What I’d like to do is prove people wrong – Townsville is a viable place to invest in and it’s a booming city.”
Local Liz Brooks said the Sovereign was important for young people.
“When you are exploring your sexuality you can go to the Sov and find support from those who’ve been through similar things,” Ms Brooks said.
“LGBTIQ+ folk have a fairly large footprint in this town, although young people find it difficult to find ‘ their people’.
She said it would be a tragedy for the LGBTIQ+ community in Townsville to lose it.
“It would be terribly sad to see it close as it has been an institution in Townsville and supported many LGBTIQ+ people and their stories throughout the years,” Ms Brooks said.
To follow the campaign and donate, head to Save the Sovereign Townsville’s Facebook page.