Sydney’s ‘Pink Pony’ Nightclub Promises Change After Backlash

The announcement of the ‘Pink Pony’ nightclub in Sydney’s bustling Oxford Street district was initially met with excitement, as it drew inspiration from Chappell Roan’s hit song “Pink Pony Club”—a track celebrated as a modern queer anthem for its depiction of a space where “boys and girls can all be queens every single day” . The club’s founders, Kevin Du-Val and Michael Lewis, described their vision as “unashamedly inspired” by Roan’s message of queer joy and inclusivity .

However, within days of the announcement, the venue faced mounting criticism from across Australia’s LGBTQ+ communities and beyond. The heart of the controversy centered on public statements by the owners that the club would be “specifically for 18-35 (state of mind) gay men who love to dance and get sweaty to high-powered dance music in a safe space,” with Michael Lewis adding in an interview that “it would certainly be our desire that it is predominantly gay boys, and when I say predominantly, I’m sort of talking 90 percent plus” .

The backlash was swift, with many LGBTQ+ advocates and queer women noting the contradiction between the club’s exclusionary intent and the spirit of Roan’s song, which explicitly celebrates diverse queer and gender identities . Critics described the club’s policy as “gay gatekeeping”—a term used to highlight the historic marginalization of women, transgender people, and non-binary people in LGBTQ+ nightlife spaces .

Commentators also raised concerns about the club’s apparent appropriation of lesbian culture, given that Chappell Roan, an out-and-proud lesbian artist, wrote “Pink Pony Club” from the perspective of a woman seeking queer freedom in a space open to all .

Social media platforms amplified the criticism, with users questioning the legality and ethics of a venue expressing a preference for a “90% plus” gay male clientele. Some accused the club of “blocking dissenters” on Instagram, while others called for a boycott or greater accountability .

Facing mounting pressure, the club’s owners issued a public apology and announced that the venue would undergo a name change before opening. “We acknowledge the hurt and exclusion our statements have caused, and it was never our intention to alienate anyone from our community,” the owners stated in a message shared after days of criticism .

The ‘Pink Pony’ Instagram account was wiped clean, with the bio now reading “new name coming soon,” signaling a shift in approach following the backlash . The venue’s management also promised to review their entry policies to ensure that all members of the LGBTQ+ community feel welcome and safe.

The controversy surrounding Sydney’s ‘Pink Pony’ highlights ongoing tensions within LGBTQ+ nightlife about who gets to be included and how queer spaces are defined. While gay bars have historically provided sanctuary for marginalized communities, critics argue that exclusionary practices—whether explicit or implicit—undermine the very ethos of queer liberation and solidarity .

Advocates for more inclusive spaces point to the lyrics and message of “Pink Pony Club” as a call to create environments where all LGBTQ+ people—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or expression—can experience joy, safety, and affirmation. Many have also called for greater consultation with diverse community members in the planning and operation of new queer venues.

As Sydney prepares for the 2026 Mardi Gras and WorldPride celebrations, the outcome of the ‘Pink Pony’ debate may set an important precedent for how the city’s nightlife evolves. The episode serves as a reminder of the need for continuous dialogue, accountability, and intersectional awareness in the creation of LGBTQ+ spaces.