Austin business affirms LGBTQ+ inclusivity after bomb threat.

Las Ofrendas Founder Tk Tunchez Receives Bomb Threat Amidst Texas' Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

Queer joy is resistance. It's resilience. — Tk Tunchez

More than a decade ago, Tk Tunchez noticed a lack of community spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals in Austin, Texas. Her solution was to create Las Ofrendas, a store catering to the LGBTQ+ community and people of color, complete with a monthly market called Frida Friday.

Tunchez's hard work has paid off, with Las Ofrendas thriving and hosting frequent pop-up shops with DJs and drag performers. However, this success has also made her a target. In June, Las Ofrendas' "Legendary" drag show received a bomb threat via email:

"We have placed a pipe bomb at 6015 Dillard Circle, Austin. F*** you drag queen s*** bags." — Bomb Threat Email

Ironically, the email was traced to a Russian IP address. Despite the obvious threat to the safety of over 100 attendees, Tunchez reported that the Austin Police Department did not take the matter seriously. They conducted a 1½-hour search and found no bomb, but refused to give an all-clear or provide a bomb dog unit unless the business paid for it.

This incident occurs amidst a disturbing trend of increasing hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community, both in Austin and nationwide. According to various sources:

• Hate crimes in Austin increased almost annually from 2017 to 2023. (City of Austin)
• A Fort Worth-area teacher was targeted with bomb threats due to her support for the LGBTQ+ community. (Star-Telegram)
• The Anti-Defamation League and GLAAD reported over 350 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents in an 11-month span, with Texas among the top states for such crimes. (ADL & GLAAD)
• 145 incidents against the LGBTQ+ community were reported in June 2023, a significant increase from June 2022. (GLAAD)

Tunchez attributes the rise in threats to Texas' anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, specifically Senate Bill 12, which restricts "sexually oriented performances." While a federal judge ruled SB 12 unconstitutional, the pause has not deterred those making threats.

Despite the challenges, Tunchez remains resilient. She plans to open Las Ofrendas' first permanent storefront this month and refuses to put her business on pause. She is calling on allies to physically support her business and highlights the importance of shopping at LGBTQ+-owned shops and supporting drag performers.

"I feel responsible for creating the container and letting people fill it themselves," Tunchez said.