Out-of-work LGBTQ cabaret community needs your support

This is a call to support the many out-of-work cabaret performers in Chiang Mai

By | Tue 19 Jan 2021

The Sixcret Show cabaret and drag show bar opened its doors in 2018. Over the course of the next year or two it became a place which welcomed all nationalities and genders, as well as LGBTQI people, friends, and allies. They’ve supported and hosted community events like Chiang Mai Pride, Queer Scape CNX, Kink Will Win Dance Arts, CMARC -Change Making Anti-Racism Coalition as well as events with Drag Race Thailand Superstars and working with local queer-positive organisations.

The spread of Covid-19 made things very difficult for all businesses in Thailand, but particularly ones that cater to marginalised groups like Sixcret. Still, they have been working hard to support themselves and their community; earlier in 2020, they were part of a three-month effort to collect donations and feed people who needed assistance during the first lockdown.

Photo credit: Sixcret Show

There are many people nationwide suffering from the loss of income and the economic downward spiral; many have had no choice but to return to their hometowns and home communities. For many young people especially who feel that they are on the fringes of a society which doesn’t fully accept them, this has been a very hard time and rates of depression have notably risen, especially amongst these marginalised communities.

After that lockdown ended last year The Sixcret started the shows again, even though the crowds weren’t what they used to be; still, if you go to secret often, you’ll know that even if there is only one person in the crowd, they’ll still put on a spectacular show. The Sixcret family has fought to lift spirits and welcome us all, even as the lack of business meant debts were piling up.

This second lockdown means that the bar has closed again. Unfortunately, this time is different, as the building owners have decided not to allow Sixcret’s lease to continue. The bar will need to find a new location in Chiang Mai.

We’re asking for your help to raise capital to find a new location for the show so that Sixcret Show can continue to be a place to see a wonderful show, host community, cultural, and queer events, and be a space for everyone.

With their debts mounting up they need to raise ฿100,000 as soon as possible to pay for the rent for December and January. Then they will need to continue to raise funds to pay for deposits, rental, and renovating a new location.

Photo credit: Sixcret Show

All the time the entertainment venues are closed and they are searching for a new location they are not able to earn a living so some of the funds will go towards making sure all the members of staff can pay their bills.

Their overall target is 650,000 baht, which might sound a lot but if everyone who wants to support Sixcret donated just the cost of a couple of drinks, say 400 baht, we’d hit the target in no time!

So please dig deep and share this fundraiser among your friends and family and a little reminder 400 baht is just £10!

No need for a PayPal account to donate, just click HERE and donate by debit and credit cards.