2SLGBTQI+ patrons praised Upstreet Craft Brewing for creating a safe space for a decade
Starting July 25, Pride P.E.I. will celebrate 30 years of promoting love and equality with its annual festival. That celebration will be missing a vital ally though. Upstreet Craft Brewing closed its taproom and Craft Beer Corner in Charlottetown after facing significant business challenges.
The 2SLGBTQI+ community has been hit hard by the loss. Many called the business a safe space with staff who stood up for them. Others noted it was an affordable venue to host queer events – some experimental. Its absence will no doubt be felt during this month’s Pride festivities.
The loss of a true ally
Upstreet Craft Brewing was a proud supporter of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, which made it special for many. “Just a reminder: Upstreet stands in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQI+ community today & everyday. ❤️🌈,” the brand said in a Instagram post. It also occasionally donated proceeds to Pride P.E.I., with the purchase of certain products.
Pride P.E.I.’s executive director, Cameron Cassidy, thanked the venue for standing by its inclusive and safe space policies. “It’s just devastating to lose them, to be honest,” Cassidy told CBC in an interview. “When I talk about true allyship, they are true examples of what that can look like.”
Many praised the venue for removing ignorant customers whenever they were rude to patrons or performers. “It’s very easy to say, ‘I’m an allied business,’ and it’s very much something else to be able to say, ‘I would know how to speak up if something happened’ and trust your staff to do that,” Cassidy continued.
Drag queen Miz Majestix, who hosted events at the venue, dedicated an Instagram post to the business and its staff. “Appreciation post for everyone at @UpstreetBrewing and @CraftBeerPEI. Thank you for everything! For the space and the community. Not a goodbye, but see you around with good memories 💕”
“We appreciate you and the inclusive, happy, energized and fun space and events you’ve created for folks in the community,” another customer said on the brand’s final Instagram post.
What impact will it have on P.E.I.’s queer scene?
According to TJ Gallant, who performs as Hexx in drag, the loss will have a “huge impact” on the queer performance scene. “With very few queer-owned spaces on P.E.I. in general, it’s hard to know who’s safe and who not to reach out to,” The Guardian, a local publication, reported Gallant saying. He also said the company “enthusiastically promoted events” in comparison to other venues.
Upstreet Craft Brewing held either queer themed trivia, drag bingo, music nights or drag showcases on a weekly basis. It had been a proud partner of Pride P.E.I. and consistent venue for the festival since opening a decade ago. The business was set to host five Pride events for the upcoming festival this month.
Cassidy told CBC she hopes other venues take note of Upstreet’s actions. “I hope that other spaces on P.E.I. continue doing the work — and that they see that as an example of how they can be more accessible to the queer community.”
Why did Upstreet Craft Brewing close?
In a statement released on Instagram on June 4, Upstreet noted how like other small businesses it faced several challenges. In the last five years, it faced difficulties due to COVID-19, rising production costs, natural disasters and changing consumer preferences. “As we worked to adapt to shifting customer needs by diversifying our product portfolio and investing in our non-alcoholic brand, Libra, we were hit by Hurricane Fiona, which caused major operational disruptions and facility damage that had a lasting impact on our sales,” the message read.
The post also said the brand would seek creditor protection and file a proposal to restructure. “Let us be clear: Upstreet is NOT closing…We’re hopeful. We’re rebuilding. And we’re excited for what’s ahead,’ the post continued.
Its proposal was rejected a few weeks later forcing it to close permanently. “We felt we had put forward a solid proposal to restructure our debt…but ultimately it was turned down by our creditors,” it stated in an emotional final Instagram post. “This is not the ending we dreamed of…To our customers: thank you for every pint shared, every trivia night, every time you celebrated with us, every kind word.”
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