The Queer Emporium

The Queer Emporium is an LGBT+ social enterprise and café in Cardiff, Wales. It consists of a collective of over 15 local LGBT+ businesses operating in the same premises.

History
The Emporium was founded in June 2021, originally as a pop-up shop in the Morgan Arcade for that year's Pride Month. However, after meeting significant success, the shop became permanent.

In March 2022, the Emporium announced that it would be hosting the first Queer Fringe Festival to be held in Cardiff history in Pride Month 2022. Later that month, the Iris Prize announced a partnership with the Emporium to host a series of film screenings, with profits going to Trans Aid Cymru.

In June 2022, the Emporium issued a statement condemning the decision by Cardiff City Council to grant a licence to a Blame Gloria cocktail bar franchise in the location next to the shop, saying that a crowded daytime drinking venue could pose safety concerns to the Emporium's customers. A petition launched by the Emporium against the Council's decision gathered over 3500 signatures.

On the 31st of October 2022 the venue was targeted by a 17 year old neo nazi. A smoke bomb was thrown into the venue, damaging the floor. The Emporium had been targeted as it was considered a centre for the local LGBT+ community. The Emporium addressed the incident with a statement on their social media, reminding the community to support queer venues.

The shop was also targeted on Christmas Day, 25th of December 2023, as someone smashed their window. The shop was set to open at 4.30 to offer a space to LGBT community members during the holiday. They made an announcement about the damage, and let patrons know they might be open later than usual due to the damage.