Exene Rodriguez's Memorial

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Virginia Bauman. Exene was one of my closest friends. I've set up this GoFundMe for Exene's family but also for everyone touched by Exene.

Exene died by suicide on August 2nd.

This fundraiser will go directly to the family. The funds raised will help pay for the costs of caring for a loved one who ends their life overseas. These funds will also contribute to debts Exene carried now being assumed by the family.

Below is Taiwan's memorial to Exene:

Although I have written you many times, finding the words to say goodbye alludes me.

It is an impossible task.

Instead, HomeSlice, I'll simply tell you one last bedtime story:

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, an unexpected gift, and a life changer was born.

From the moment this gift entered the world, they would leave their mark everywhere—the walls of their grandmother's house, the childhood dresser, and the hearts of their family and friends.

No one knew where they had learned this or how they had become

such an artist, as it wasn't really a family trait.

But what an artist they'd become.

This gift was painted with watercolors, colored pencils, paints, make-up, photography, and film.

And through these unique talents, they grew.

This gift was born with an independent spirit that longed for connection while maintaining its sense of self and independence.

They learned to live and love in in many different worlds.

They grew to love ballet and baseball.

They grew to love Wi Spa and Dodger Games.

They grew to love afternoons at Disneyland midweek after a stressful day of school and binge watch the Real Housewives from Atlanta. They grew to do midnight Denny's runs when things were tough, and they needed to chat or cuddle on the sofa until it was time to fall asleep.

As this gift grew up and out into the world, they attracted every stray animal in the neighborhood. Eventually, I'm looking at you at the local coffee shop—Handsome Coffee.

This gift was funny. Like, really, really funny. They had a fantastic ability to make others laugh and heard.

Their Twitter feed was a testament to their wit and desire to make others laugh.

Their laughter was infectious and filled every room. When they sat down to watch America's Funniest Home Videos, their laughter could be heard worldwide. It was laughter that inhabited their entire body. It was so infectious that sometimes it had to be let out as a snort. And, if no one else laughed, they laughed harder.

They would then remind people—what? I'm Funny, and I'm pretty.

They grew to love Cardi B and Beyoncé while learning to guttural scream and sing opera.

They grew to love The Fox and the Hound and Celine Dione's My Heart Will Go On while

being scared by Snow White.

They grew into a protective outer shell but maintained their softness.

This softness was so incredible that it absorbed the hurt of others.

They grew to love sneaking into bed with mom in the middle of the night and early Saturday and Sunday mornings, even more if it meant displacing Chris.

This gift couldn't always see just how amazing they were, but everyone else could and longed to have them in their orbit; to others, this gift was a warrior. When their friends needed help, support, or financial assistance, they didn't hesitate to offer service, kindness, or whatever they could spare. They often rallied to save others. But that wasn't enough.

They grew to help others rage against injustices and taught them to refuse silence.

The more they gave to others, the more they grew.

And they grew and grew.

They grew so much that they couldn't remain in one place. So, they grew wings. These wings allowed them to quench their desire to travel the world and learn about themselves. They sampled excellent meals and experiences along the way, had coffee with friends, danced, and sometimes shed tears. Too many tears.

During this journey of self-discovery, the spirit left the places and the people who lived there, better for knowing them.

They taught others to love themselves.

To fight for themselves.

To forgive themselves.

They taught others to laugh.

They demonstrated loyalty and unfettered friendship.

They taught others just how much they loved Wendy and Pearl.

And they grew and grew.

They grew as an artist. They grew as a brand. They grew as a writer. They grew as a friend.

And then, one day, they grew too big.

This bigness overwhelmed them.

They needed to be free.

So, they set themselves free.

And now, the lands that they traveled seem empty—But they are still everywhere. They are in AvrilHeals. They are in the lasting memories at Pho Cafe, Same Same, and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

They are at Chris' Burgers in La Puente. They are in the lasting memories at ACID Cafe and Bake House, at Tiki Taco, and Mexicalista in Madrid. They are in the many early morning walks to El Parque del Retiro, the long walks throughout Lavapies, and el bosque del recuerdo.

They are in Le Bon and Monster Ronson's in Berlin.

They're in that ice cream shop in Vienna, in the water taxis of Venice, and in the hearts of those she loved in London, Sebastopol, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Oakland, and so on.

I hope you are frolicking with Sami and Suzi and have found peace.

Exene, I love you and will miss you every day for the rest of my life.