Two prominent queer venues are battling over the naming rights of Melbourne’s weekly Asian pride nights, Lotus.

The Star Hotel opened it’s doors back in 1996, and stayed under that name till 2005 when it got new owners and changed it’s name to the Opium Den. Lotus has been a regular gay Asian community night every Wednesday at the venue ever since it opened. Straight man Peter Urbonas recently became the new owner of the Opium Den says the famous ethenic pride night is staying as part of the bars regular events and that it is a part of the venue’s legacy and heritage. Urbonas, the former owner of Commercial Road’s Diva Bar, has also changed the name of the venue back to the Star Hotel, and has commenced renovations to change it’s appearance and give the venue a new feel.

“We’ve got them [Lotus participants] booked until the end of July,” Urbonas said in a recent interview.

However, Commercial Road venue Heaven’s Door is also running a Lotus night starting this Wednesday. According to Heaven’s Door owner Brian Frewin, he had obtained legal naming rights for Lotus Nights and the annual Lotus Awards, as well as securing resident Lotus performers and DJs.

“I’ve legally obtained the naming rights for Lotus from the Department of Business and Consumer affairs. Most of the people involved with Lotus have also come on board and are very enthusiastic about the change… And we are excited to give new life to this important community night” Frewin told Same Same.

Despite owning and running gay venues, Urbonas is a straight man. He said in a recent interview that he believed the motive behind the battle for the event name stemmed from his sexuality.

“The reason why Commercial Rd has died is because of this crap and venues that keep fighting against each other instead of working with each other”, he said in a recent interview.

Frewin denies such claims that there is any intended nastiness.

“There’s nothing like that at all. When I got the rights, it was to ensure the future of Lotus. Myself and Heaven’s Door has always been a huge supporter of Melbourne’s Asian community. Heaven’s Door has a strong and loyal gay Asian following at all our events. We are proud to host this special night, and ensure it’s future” he said.

Both the Star Hotel and Heaven’s Door are running Lotus nights this Wednesday.

Also retuning to the Star Hotel on Saturday 11 July are The King Victoria drag kings who began their lives in the queer venue back in the mid-nineties.