Gay twins who own London’s ‘controversial’ cereal café open up about homophobia
The twins who own a ‘controversial’ cereal café in London have revealed they are both gay – and called for equal marriage in their native Northern Ireland.
Same-sex marriage is legal in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland – but Northern Ireland’s DUP has used Peace Process powers to veto the issue despite a parliamentary majority in favour.
A marriage bill was passed last month by a vote of 53-52, only for the Democratic Unionist Party to override the assembly using a ‘petition of concern’.
Speaking to Attitude magazine, the owners of Shoreditch’s Cereal Killer Café – which has been the epicentre of arguments about gentrification – opened up about their time in NI.
Alan and Gary Keery said: “Growing up in Belfast there are a lot of homophobic people and a lot of fights.
“There are amazing people, and it’s come on amazingly, but even now, Northern Ireland is the only place in the UK where gays can’t get married.
“It’s embarrassing for Belfast and Northern Ireland.”
The 33-year-olds also opened up the country’s gay scene growing up – with clubs having blacked out windows for protection.
Alan said: “There was a group of people waiting outside to beat up the gays.”
The cereal café, which charges up to £4.40 a bowl, boasts over 120 different kinds of cereal from around the world, along with 30 different varieties of milk and 20 different toppings.
It was targeted by protesters and vandals earlier this year, who saw the café as a symbol for the gentrification of the local area.
Read the full interview in this month’s Attitude. You can follow The Keery Twins on Instagram @thekeerytwins
