Help Sustain Black Sheep Resale's Safe Space

Greetings!

Two years ago I opened Black Sheep Resale with a dream of creating an open and accepting space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. I have a passion for fashion and sustainability so offering a safe place for marginalized folks to try on secondhand clothing without judgement seemed like a perfect fit. During our tenure, an amazing community of close friends and found family has formed around our "third place". We have hosted a number of queer groups and events and openly encourage our visitors to take advantage of our comfortable seating, art supplies, and game library.

It has been a difficult journey these past two years: we were burgled barely a month after our opening and have had to face discrimination and even harassment from members of the public for being an openly queer storefront. While I've been able to compensate those who help out, we have had to cut their hours and even reduce pay in some circumstances to keep the store open. I have personally been unable to bring home compensation for myself, for the vast majority of these past two years. This has predictably led to substantial financial hardship, depletion of my resources, mounting personal debt, as well as the mental and physical toll that comes with those struggles. Since November 4, we have seen a significant downturn in customers and we are rocketing towards a moment where our "queer oasis" is no longer sustainable (in the short term).

This place means so much to me and to the community that exists within these walls. We live in uncertain times and marginalized people need support more than ever, so here's your chance to show up and make a difference. We're asking for your help to maintain our safe community space through the impending challenges by spreading the word about Black Sheep Resale to all of your friends and family. Follow us and share our content on Instagram. Grab a few of our business cards from the shop and hand them out in LGBTQ+ spaces everywhere. Most of all, we encourage you to come in regularly and make a purchase, no matter how small. One of the unique features of a vintage clothing store is the frequently changing inventory; you truly never know what treasures you'll find on our racks. This sets us apart from standard clothing stores, because so much of what we offer is one-of-a-kind. Once it's gone... it's gone for good.

Whether or not you are able to physically visit our store, I have created this GoFundMe. Please share this with everyone you know. Blast it across all of your social media profiles and forward a link to anyone who may be of assistance. I ask you to spread the message about our unique, cherished, LGBTQ+ oasis that needs a ton of help to continue to provide a safe space and resources for the most vulnerable members of the community. Let's be honest; this is about much more than just fabulous, sustainable clothing. The unfortunate truth is that the livelihood and personal wellbeing of many disenfranchised people is often tied to safe spaces like Black Sheep Resale, especially in challenging times. As of right now, the challenges are piling up at a rate that I can no longer sustain without your help.

Thank you for your time and stay safe out there