Help Adontai Secure Safe Housing

Friends,

From the depths of my heart, I ask that you read this entire message. I have exhausted all my resources and now I am out to you for support. This is a first for me. Any contribution, even as small as $5, will make a difference. Thank you in advance.

My name is Adontai Mason. I am 42 years old, Black, gay, homeless, and HIV positive, surviving on the streets of Tampa, Florida. Not so long ago, I was a standout student in Kelly Morris’s Conquering Lion Teacher Training Program in New York City. Here is a brief account of my journey and how I came to be in this situation.

I grew up in a middle-class African American family in Lakeland, Florida. My upbringing was extremely conservative, restrictive, and anti-gay. When I came out as homosexual, my parents and younger sister were neither accepting nor supportive. To this day, they remain unsupportive of my sexuality.

My family believes that aiding me would signify endorsing my sexuality or what they call my “lifestyle choices." They have repeatedly tried to force me into conversion therapy, which I have steadfastly refused, despite the personal cost. As a result, I am deeply isolated from my family of origin.

I have been physically attacked twice and robbed at gunpoint. Just over a week ago, I was savagely assaulted in a public restroom by three men, which landed me in the emergency room. The leader of the gang kept shouting, “Kill him! Kill him!”

I am constantly searching for gainful employment. However, without stable housing, it’s nearly impossible to secure a job. Recently, I was hired by Amazon, but the location was over 4 hours away. I planned to go anyway, but the day before I was to start, my phone and wallet were stolen. It took me two weeks to get another phone and a month to regain access to my email and bank accounts.

I have spent countless nights sleeping behind buildings, on sidewalks, and on bus stop benches. The relentless heat of the Florida sun is unbearable, and I often find myself drenched and without shelter during rainstorms. Unable to access a bathroom after local businesses close, I have been forced to walk around in soiled clothing until I could find help.

I desperately need to establish a base fund and secure safe, steady housing for at least a couple of months to regain my footing. It is nearly impossible to find and maintain stable employment without a safe place to stay. Moreover, it recently became illegal in the state of Florida to sleep in public places.

When Kelly suggested setting up a GoFundMe, I was disheartened. The last thing I want is for the world to know my plight, but here we are. I have never felt more alone, more abandoned, or more betrayed. It’s deeply humbling to ask for financial help. I am profoundly grateful for whatever you can contribute. Thank you and namaste.

~ Adontai Mason

Note: It is now illegal in the state of Florida to sleep in public places.