"They're so important to the fabric of our society." Drag Race star Bimini tells Newsnight why queer spaces are so important amid a rise in closures of nighttime venues
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Bimini has warned that the closure of nightclubs and music venues is eroding the “soul” of LGBTQ+ communities, as concerns grow over the future of nightlife spaces across the UK.
Speaking to BBC Newsnight, the drag artist and musician highlighted the vital role venues play in providing places for people to connect, particularly those exploring their identity.
“Nightclubs and venues are sometimes the first place people get to go to meet other people like themselves,” Bimini said. "They're so important to our culture and the fabric of our society," They added.
The performer criticised the impact of residential developments on established nightlife districts, arguing that venues with deep cultural roots are increasingly being pushed out.
“[Nightclubs and venues] are sometimes the first place people get to go to meet other people like themselves.”
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) August 12, 2026
Drag artist Bimini tells Newsnight why night clubs are so important amid a rise in closures of nighttime venues.#Newsnight pic.twitter.com/Y1CYTPJsRv
“It takes out the soul and the heart and the grit of it,” they said, referring to the loss of clubs and music venues in areas with a long-standing nightlife heritage.
Bimini’s comments come amid mounting concern about the decline of LGBTQ+ venues and late-night spaces across the country. Industry figures have repeatedly warned that rising operating costs, changing consumer habits and redevelopment pressures are making it increasingly difficult for venues to survive.
The issue has struck particularly close to home in Brighton, long regarded as one of the UK’s most prominent LGBTQ+ destinations. Recent announcements that popular venues R-Bar and Charles Street Tap will close have prompted fresh discussion about the challenges facing the city’s queer nightlife scene.
Both venues have played significant roles in Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community, hosting drag performances, social events and Pride celebrations over many years.
Campaigners and venue operators have frequently argued that the loss of such spaces represents more than a commercial issue, warning that LGBTQ+ venues provide community, visibility and support networks that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Steve Jones, managing director of Revenge and R-Bar, said: "The closure of R-Bar and Charles Street within days of each other has to be the moment Brighton wakes up to the reality of the situation and urgently starts putting meaningful support in place."
Their comments add to growing calls for greater protection of grassroots music venues, nightclubs and LGBTQ+ spaces, with campaigners urging local authorities and developers to recognise the cultural and social value such venues bring to towns and cities across the UK.
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