In recent weeks, Villa Vida Cafe, a cherished gathering place for the LGBTQIA+ community and a symbol of diversity in Vienna, has been the target of several alarming racist and homophobic attacks. These events have not only shocked us but also strengthened our determination to continue providing a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
The first incident occurred on November 20, when two men disrupted events at Villa Vida, shouting loudly and behaving threateningly. After being asked to leave the cafe, they returned later in the evening and continued their intimidation. A few days later, on November 26, two fully masked individuals entered the cafe, yelled aggressively, and placed JugendRechts stickers on the walls. When our owner, Denise Van De Cruze, confronted them, they escalated their hate with racist and homophobic slurs.
Further attacks followed on December 4 and again on December 14. A group of masked individuals stormed the cafe, shouted homophobic insults, and left stickers as well as offensive graffiti on the exterior wall. These messages were intended to provoke and intimidate, but they only reinforce our solidarity.
Despite these distressing events, our team remains steadfast. We have implemented security protocols to protect our guests and staff and continue to advocate for a loving and open community. These incidents remind us of the importance of standing together and confronting intolerance with resolve.
Villa Vida Cafe thanks the Vienna community for their support. Together, we can ensure that love and acceptance always triumph over hate. We invite everyone to visit our space, show solidarity, and celebrate the diversity that unites us.