04/14/2026
Take Back the Turret's Statement on Homophobic and Transphobic violence.
On Sunday, March 22, outside Stardust on Barrington Street, patrons of the Take Back the Turret fundraiser event were physically and verbally assaulted by a group of individuals, who uttered homophobic and transphobic slurs. This incident of hateful violence was immediately met with de-escalation by other eventgoers.
Event organizers and volunteers helped the injured patrons seek medical attention. When the event concluded, Youth Project staff coordinated safe rides home for the young people in attendance.
The patrons who were assaulted were supported and received the care and attention they needed. They have asked Turret to let everyone know they are okay, albeit emotionally and physcially hurt.
Turret is making a public statement to let our community know:
1. We won't stay silent about hate-fueled violence. No one should be expected to tolerate slurs.
2. Safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ people remain necessary.
3. We've taken steps to improve safety planning at our events, which was put into action at our most recent event at Rumours.
We recognize the broader forces at work: cuts to youth programming, arts and community services; the lack of comprehensive 2SLGBTIA+ content in curricula; and the politicized spread of misinformation embolden and increase real-world harm.
Across the many lives of the building we are trying to reactivate - the Turret Club, Dr. Bob's clinic, Wormwood cinema, AFCOOP, and the Khyber - communities have found refuge and a place for self-determination, care, and collaboration. We remain committed to protecting and growing Q***r and Trans+ space within it, to caring for each other, and to resisting the political and social forces that enable hate.
