Celebrities urge Boris Johnson to protect Soho’s future
By Josh Haggis
A number of celebrities have called on Boris Johnson to help protect Soho’s future.
Following news that famous London drag club Madame Jojo’s has closed down after a violent altercation between bouncers and a customer, celebrities including Stephen Fry and Benedict Cumberbatch have co-signed an open letter that asks the Mayor of London to help safeguard “Soho’s enduring attraction as a global destination” for the LGBT community.
Read the full letter – written by Tim Arnold ‘the Soho Hobo’ – below.
“My concern is that the end of Madame Jojo’s will lead to the closure of other such establishments, which will limit young artists’ chances to showcase their talents, ultimately affecting the British music industry.
“As a resident, I believe Soho’s enduring attraction as a global destination has always depended on building around and adding to what has gone before, not by demolishing it, and I hope readers will support me in this.
“I also hope that Boris Johnson will become involved in protecting Soho’s future. In the meantime we hope that the developers will be sympathetic to our request for one final show at the club.”
Meanwhile, two people in Manchester have been arrested over a homophobic tram attack – find out more here.
More Stories:
Homophobe banned from London uni for ‘gay disease’ remarks
Bette Midler: ‘Gay culture is too ordinary nowadays’