How GoFundMe Helps Support The LGBTQ+ Community

When people think of crowdfunding, there’s usually one famous platform that pops into their heads: GoFundMe. GoFundMe has been a financial lifeline to people for all kinds of things: from medical bills to paying for home repairs after disasters to keeping small businesses’ doors open, GoFundMe can be a financial Deus Ex Machina. And this is especially true for the LGBTQ+ community. Ese Esan (she/her) and Brian Hill (he/him), Communication Managers at GoFundMe who focus on amplifying fundraisers supporting the LGBTQ+ community, know this fact first hand.

Esan and Hill say, “At GoFundMe, we provide a safe place for people in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to ask for and give help. When there’s an unspeakable tragedy, people have a deep urge to help and provide comfort to those affected.” GoFundMe provides the perfect space for those seeking help to ask for it, and those wanting to help to be able to provide it. And by creating this space of digital community, GoFundMe is able to reach people who want to help all over the world, not just locally. Esan and Hill explain “It can be difficult for people to ask for help, especially those in marginalized groups. GoFundMe serves as a reflection of society, and the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in the world can often be found on the platform.” It’s always reassuring to know that our community is out there and willing to help when needed.

A wonderful example of how the LGBTQ+ community and all of our allies came together on GoFundMe to support a queer business is what happened to 19 Bar, right here in Minneapolis. 19 Bar is one of the country’s oldest gay bars and is a community space beloved by the whole community. Tragedy struck the bar recently when a fire ripped through the building, causing significant damage to the structure. Thankfully, no one was hurt during the fire, but because of the severe damage, 19 Bar had to close down. Because of this, eight employees were left with no job or way to support themselves. That’s where GoFundMe came to the rescue. To support the employees who suddenly found themselves out of work, an organizer started a GoFundMe for 19 Bar, and the community support was overwhelming. The GoFundMe raised almost $25,000 to support the beloved employees, and to get the iconic gay bar back on its feet.

19 Bar isn’t the only example of GoFundMe providing a platform for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to help each other out, there are thousands of examples. Esan and Hill shared many stories, like this story from Washington DC, where “more than 3,000 donors raised nearly $175,000 to keep As You Are, one of the only queer-safe spaces in DC, open.” Another story about community support through GoFundMe comes from Hartland, WI, where a pastor named James Langreder launched a GoFundMe, “to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth.” He shared in an update on the fundraiser, “We are beyond amazed and so humbled at the response and your willingness to help us out.” And GoFundMe can also be a powerful tool in raising money when the unthinkable happens.

In Tacoma, Washington, “Jacob Carter, the owner of Howdy Bagel, was killed while he and his husband were on vacation in New Orleans. A grieving community raised more than $300,000 to help keep Howdy Bagel open and support the gay restauranteur’s husband.” When tragedy strikes, it’s a beautiful thing to be able to lean on your community for support. And these stories are just some of thousands. Esan and Hill explain, “GoFundMe also highlights fundraisers for people seeking gender-affirming care, has an active LGBTQ+ employee resource group, and hosts speakers from the LGBTQ+ community who share their experiences about the GoFundMe platform, themselves, and their local communities.” GoFundMe even has a wonderful ‘Uplift LGBTQ+ Lives’ page, where supporters can go to find fundraisers that will directly and positively impact the lives of the queer community.

Donating and community support are also verifiably safe on GoFundMe, thanks to the company’s protective guarantees. Esan and Hill explain, “GoFundMe is the top platform of choice to start a fundraiser. We have a dedicated Trust & Safety team to ensure our fundraiser organizers and donors are protected, as well as the first and only donor protection guarantee in the crowdfunding industry. GoFundMe’s Giving Guarantee offers a full refund in the rare case when something isn’t right.” Because of this, organizers and donators alike can trust that their money will make it to the right place.

Asking for help might seem like a daunting task, but with organizations and programs like GoFundMe, it’s a little bit easier. So whether you’re a young person seeking gender-affirming care, but you can’t afford it, or you’re a queer business owner, and something horrible happens, or even if you’re a queer entrepreneur looking to get started on your work somehow, you will be able to find a community of people who are ready to support you on GoFundMe. And the same goes for those looking to find the perfect queer cause to support, GoFundMe has plenty to choose from.

This Pride Month, show your love to the LGBTQ+ community by supporting one of the many causes on GoFundMe! You can find all of the LGBTQ+ fundraisers in one convenient spot by logging on to www.gofundme.com/c/act/lgbtq