Edmonton scandal: 2SLGBTQ+ community bar encourages bringing children

In Edmonton, the capital of Alberta's Canadian province, there is the Evolution Wonderlounge bar, which is referred to as "the only club serving the community of 2SLGBTQ+ throughout the year". Although the abbreviation 2SLGBTQ+ itself may rise questions, it has not become the main origin of controversy. The fresh activities of the premises caused a storm on social media and beyond. The bar announced an incentive for customers to "bring their children to nine".

A bar or a place for families?

Evolution Wonderlounge, as the name suggests, is the place to offer amusement to adults. Bars usually associate with alcohol, music and social gatherings – not with the space dedicated to children. Meanwhile, the place decided to go beyond the standard framework and invitation the youngest to its place. The announcement that appeared on Instagram rapidly gained publicity, although not as expected by the authors.

The post met with a wave of criticism, and profile administrators decided to disable comments. shortly after, the announcement disappeared from the platform – it was most likely removed by the creators themselves.

Should children be in bars?

The website “Juno News” points out that in Canada, alcohol serving facilities do not have a formal ban on children. Evolution Wonderlounge defended himself, claiming that he saw nothing incorrect with inviting children, provided they were accompanied by an adult. For many people, however, the thought of bringing babies to a bar remains controversial.

– We have a situation where, first of all, LGBT wants to have contact with tiny children again. Secondly, they invitation young children to a bar, a place where children should not be – they comment on social media.

Financing of LGBTQ+ community from the state budget

The facesitenews.com portal draws attention to another aspect of this case. Evolution Wonderlounge is simply a associate of Alberta 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, an organization funded with taxpayers' money. The Government of Canada allocates funds to programs supporting entrepreneurship in the 2SLGTQI+ community.

Moreover, Alberta's conservative provincial government led by Prime Minister Danielle Smith has since 2021 spent over $26 million on programs related to equality, safety and inclusiveness of LGBTQ+ community. “This is immense sums that rise questions about the priorities of the authorities,” comments the portal.

Is this the right place for kids?

Although Evolution Wonderlounge tries to make a space friendly to everyone, the question of the presence of children in the bar remains open. For many people the bar is simply a place that is by definition not adapted to the needs of the youngest. Alcohol, loud music and crowds of adults may not be the right environment for children up to 9 years old.

Is this an effort to normalize the presence of children in places traditionally reserved for adults? Or do you want to show that the 2SLGBTQ+ community is open to everyone regardless of age? Regardless of intentions, Evolution Wonderlounge's decision has sparked a heated discussion that will most likely not last much longer.

Daniel Głogowski

Expert in economics and social activities, experienced writer and writer. The first articles were published in 1999 in publications for global publishers. Working with leading planet newsrooms.