In Washington, D.C., as Black Pride weekend began, a beloved queer space came under attack. In the early hours of Friday, someone broke into Sinners and Saints, shattering the front door, cutting the power, stealing alcohol, and spray-painting a homophobic slur on the wall. But the bar is standing strong against the hate. The social media post by Sinners and Saints said,
“This space exists to protect and celebrate Queer and Trans BIPOC communities…And this attack only strengthens our resolve. We will NOT be silenced. We will NOT be intimidated. We will NOT back down.”
D.C. police are investigating the break-in as a suspected hate crime. Detectives and an LGBTQ liaison have been assigned, and the mayor’s office has reached out to discuss further protections. Blair Nixon, the bar’s co-owner and manager, arrived at the scene to find broken glass and a back door left ajar. But just hours later, the bar reopened for a planned D.C. Black Pride event. Talking to The Washington Post, Nixon said,
“It was really important to us to stay open…We don’t ever want to send the message that we can be repressed.”
The queer community and the allies have also shown support to the bar as the GoFundMe launched has already raised over $7,600. Fifteen percent of those donations will support local QTBIPOC groups. Neighbors helped clean up. Online, love poured in too. Drag Race alum Laganja Estranja wrote:
“Incredible response! I believe in you. Sending so much love and strength.”
