A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO contributed time, money, skills and love to the fundraiser LOVE HAS NO BORDERS on 12 November 2022 at Villa Vida Cafe.

The event was organised by Villa Vida and Queens Brunch Vienna, following the tragic homophobic attack on Teplaren bar in Bratislava in October, where 2 people were killed and 1 seriously injured.

LOVE HAS NO BORDERS brought together LGBTQIA+ performers, artists, and organisers from Villa Vida, Queens Brunch, and Verein hint.wien communities. In solidarity with Bratislava queer communities, we raised 684.82 via Eventbrite and cash donations. This was topped up by Verein hint.wien to make a 1,000EUR donation to Teplaren bar Bratislava.

Slovakia is very conservative and they are working in an environment where explicit homophobia and hate speech are widely acceptable. Roman, the owner of Teplaren said that the money will make a real difference. It means that Teplaren can continue the work it does to educate businesses, schools, and politicians about LGBTQIA+ rights, as well as be a social space for Bratislava queer communities. Currently, their budget will cover this work until May.

Along with the cash donation, JG Danso and Angela gifted Bratislava queer communities the poetry artwork A Thousand Ships by JG Danso. Teplaren presented them with powerful artwork by Ivana Satekova as a thank you to the Villa Vida, Queens Brunch and Verein hint.wien communities behind the fundraiser.

Whilst at Teplaren, JG Danso, and Angela also met with organisers in queer arts @ffi.sk and advocacy @iniciativa.inakost to talk about queer solidarity, intersectionality, anti-racism, learning, mutual support, and empowerment between LGBTQIA+ communities in Bratislava and Vienna.

Public interest in the attack might have lessened, but behind the scenes, Villa Vida and Verein Hint.wien are working hard to continue cooperation with Teplaren and strengthen the exchange with queer communities in Slovakia.