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LGBTQ safe space violated with TKVO break-in


The community around a prominent queer-owned gift shop on Dundas West is feeling shaken today. The glass door to TKVO (1450 Dundas West) was smashed just after midnight on February 27.

“I got a call from the alarm company at 12:01 am and then the tenant who lives in the apartment above the store called as well,” recalls Tate Sameshima, who owns the store. “I live in High Park so I got there around eight minutes after the calls, and the police showed up behind us.”

In addition to the break and enter, the intruder stole clothing and some administrative supplies.

“They entered our tattoo studio that we just opened in November and escaped out the back,” Sameshima says. “We don’t have any video cameras on site but the upstairs tenant did see an individual leave and was helpful in giving the police a description.”

This isn’t the first break-in at TKVO. In 2016, a few months after the shop opened, their lock was picked and an intruder stole the cash box. This time, there was no cash on site, but Sameshima considers the style of robbery more intrusive. A rock around the size of a fist was used to break the door. 

“Arriving on scene and seeing horrific piles of glass all over the sidewalk and shop was disturbing,” he says. “I’m relieved no one was here.”

Sameshima says harassment online has also grown with TKVO’s visibility. He says TKVO’s growing community of queer artists and makers often work late into the night in studios in the basement. The tattoo artists who work out of the back of the shop also identify as queer.

Even last night, as he was talking to police officers, a stranger walked past the store, laughed and took a photo. The individual sent that photo to Sameshima this morning through social media.

“I could identify who it was and he’s someone who’s actively been posting photos in a hurtful, mocking way. He seems to really take pleasure in seeing our pain,” he says.

Still, Sameshima says instances like this make him even more certain that TKVO must exist. He’s already heard an outpouring of support from the local queer community and beyond. A temporary door was installed this morning as they wait for the custom-size glass door to arrive. A security gate has also been placed at the entrance.

“Having a safe space, especially in the current political climate, is crucial. Embracing and celebrating who we are and how we identify is something that we try to put actively into practice every day,” he says. “The space feels a little off right now, but we’re going to do our best to brings the vibes back.”

michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas

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