Snap Protest: Stop the Police Raiding Gay Bars

Join us on Sunday, September 20, from 12pm to 2pm at Taylor Square, Darlinghurst, for a powerful demonstration against the ongoing harassment and violence inflicted on LGBTQIA+ communities by law enforcement. This protest is a direct response to Saturday night’s raids on queer bars on Oxford Street—events marked by bullying, strip searches, and the targeting of patrons simply for being themselves.

This is not the first time. Just three months ago, nearly identical police raids occurred, and the internal inquiry that followed found no significant wrongdoing—only recommending more re-training. History is repeating. Queer spaces are under siege, and we’re saying enough is enough.

Police continue to strip search, assault, and intimidate young people and LGBTQIA+ individuals—not just at festivals, but in our bars, our safe havens. These raids are not isolated incidents; they’re systemic. And they’re happening under the watch of the Minns government, which seems more interested in appeasing far-right voters than protecting the rights of its most vulnerable communities.

We’re not just showing up for ourselves. We’re standing in solidarity with First Nations, disabled, and transgender people—all of whom are disproportionately targeted by state violence. This protest is a demand for dignity, safety, and justice.

Our Demands

• Stop police attacks on queers, women, and Black communities.
• Remove cops from our bars and community spaces.
• Launch an independent investigation now.
• End police investigating police.
• Compensation for victims of police assault and harassment from both June 13 and September 12 raids.

Organised by Drag For Change, Pride in Protest, Sydney Socialist Alliance, Mark Gillespie (a 1978er), and City of Sydney for Palestine.

For more information, contact Rach at 0403 517 266 or email sydney@socialist-alliance.org. Follow updates on the Facebook event.

Download the event flyer.