Poof Doof’s iconic signage is up for grabs, after it was taken down seven months ago, by a TikTok influencer.
TikTok influencer India Valerie posted the full ‘Poof’ sign to her Instagram, telling her viewers she was willing to give it away.
“Hi gay, as you can see I am in possession of an ancient artifact, it’s the Poof from Poof Doof,” she said.
“Now don’t ask me how I’ve come into ownership of this, but I’m giving it away to one lucky gayyy.”
The silver, glittery sign was last seen on Grey St, South Yarra in Melbourne, having been taken off the Poof Doof venue in the city.
At the time, venue owner Anthony Hocking told the Herald Sun that vandals had attacked the iconic sign, resulting in its removal.
“It’s disappointing, as the sign has become such a loved part of our Chapel St frontage and a symbol of our presence in Melbourne’s nightlife,” he told the publication.
“But as always, when Poof Doof gets knocked down, we get back up again — bigger, brighter, and better than before.”
He also thanked, at the time, his “neighbours at Lamb on Chapel for helping us by safely storing what remains of the old sign.”
However, an image was posted of the sign that suggested it had, in fact, been discarded.
An image of the ‘Poof’, missing an O, was posted to Reddit, with the Reddit user saying it had “been placed into the alleyway just by the dumpsters. Letters missing, etc. Like clearly meant to be discarded.”
It hadn’t been seen publicly since, until India’s TikTok, with allegations that the sign had been stolen.
“Or you could return it to us and we will love you forever and our poor baby will be returned to us,” commented drag queen Jimi The Kween, the partner of Hocking.
While some comments wanted the signage for themselves, others recognised the importance of the ‘Poof’.
“Tbh you should donate it to Qtopia,” wrote drag queen Dominique Topp.
“I think it should definitely go to the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives in St Kilda,” wrote CB.
Valerie was allegedly unavailable for an interview, as she was getting ready for Fashion Week.
Gay Sydney Daily assumes this refers to Sydney Fashion Week, which is in 18 days.
