Palmerston North's Club Q will hold a Special General Meeting next month to decide its future, with its closure one of the options on the table. Club Q is a volunteer-run lgbti social club which has historically provided the main income for the long-running Manawatu Lesbian and Gay Rights Association, better known simply as MaLGRA. Volunteers have tried to make changes to secure Club Q's survival, such as running more events and rallying the community for support - however there has been no real increase in patronage since concerns were raised at an AGM in August. The volunteer pool is low and can no longer sustain the current opening hours. “The harsh reality is, with the current economic climate, Club Q is currently not making enough revenue per week to cover rent and operational expenses,” a Special General Meeting announcement reads. “Club Q needed its member's patronage, as well as support from wider community groups to survive.” The announcement points to a trend in New Zealand and overseas of lgbti venues closing due to lack of patronage “as they are no longer required as a 'safe haven' and Club Q is no different”. The team has applied for community funding grants, but were declined because the club is a licensed venue and doesn't meet the criteria. “We have also looked at other premises, however commercial real estate options have not found anything that will reduce our outgoings to a level that is sustainable, especially when there are no guarantees that patronage would increase.” The outcome is Club Q can no longer be run as it is, from its Jersey Lane premises, where the lease expires at the end of March. Members will be asked to vote at a Special General Meeting on 20 February on whether to continue Club Q at all, an option which will require a significant commitment of time and money. The alternative is to simply continue the work of MaLGRA at smaller community rooms, with a Club Q moving fund used to pay off the back rent. “MaLGRA as an organisation must continue, even if in a different mode of operation,” the meeting announcement says. A new working party coordinator will be appointed at the meeting to oversee whatever change is decided upon. The SGM will be held at Club Q on Friday 20th February 2015 at 7pm. Membership is required to vote.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 31st January 2015 - 5:15pm