THE city's LGBTQ+ nightclub has cut ties with a student group and said it will no longer recognise it as 'an authoritative voice of the queer community in Oxford'.

A statement released today by Plush Lounge, which has been based in Oxford since 2010, said it was 'disappointed' to make the announcement about the Oxford SU LGBTQ+ Campaign.

The group, which is made up of Oxford University students, states on its website it is 'the political campaigning arm of Oxford’s queer community'.

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Plush said: "Regrettably the working relationship we have long enjoyed with Oxford SU LGBTQ+ Campaign has more recently proved challenging."

The club said it had faced 'harassment' and threats to boycott the venue 'if their demands are not met' though did not go into detail over what issue.

It added its dealings with the current executive committee had been 'neither professional nor respectful'.

The statement continued: "Plush would much rather spend time speaking with individuals who want to help it make positive change, rather than defending negative communications that seek only to damage its queer space, and not work to improve it."

Plush, which moved to Frewin Court last year, said it was 'severing communication' with Oxford SU LGBTQ+ campaign with immediate effect, 'until such time that they can demonstrate an approach that is in keeping with Plush’s values'.

The statement went on to say Plush would continue 'to hold open and transparent discussions with any individuals or representative groups that raise concerns or feedback with us directly'. 

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It concluded: "Plush is not perfect; the venue accepts that. Whilst the number of incidents is much lower than other nightclubs, Plush accepts it can always do better, whilst also considering the unique requirements of running an LBGTQ+ venue.  

"Plush will continue to work with any individuals or representative bodies or groups who respect the challenges and opportunities everyone must face in the ongoing improvement of Plush Oxford."

The Oxford SU LGBTQ+ Campaign was contacted for comment.

Its website says:"The Oxford SU LGBTQ+ Campaign is a group of students working to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the University of Oxford, and in the wider Oxford community.

"We advocate for LGBTQ+ students and staff, push for changes at a University-, faculty- and college-level, and are committed to fighting homophobia, transphobia and any other form of discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people in Oxford."

The Oxford SU has now added a response to the Plush press release, stating: "Oxford SU is yet to meet with or discuss any matters with Plush directly and is surprised by their statement.

"We will seek to ascertain if this is something we can assist them with and speak with any students involved to attempt to resolve matters. We will not be doing this publicly. 

"Please refer to our website for any additional comment on this as we have it. "