Donate to Drinks for Blossoms; A Trans Youth fundraiser

My name is Carlos Kennedy-Lopez. I am a queer Mexican-American bartender living and working in NYC.

For the past 2 years, traveling to Tales of the Cocktail, I have noticed a lack of representation of the LGBTQ+ community, of which there are many of us. As we gather in the historically important city of New Orleans for TOTC, I am proposing a fundraiser that brings together LGBTQ+ identifying individuals both locally and globally, to help raise funds for our Trans brothers and sisters under attack in Louisiana.

This pop-up is in response to that lack of representation, with the hope of shedding light on this issue in a meaningful and impactful way. There is great power in our global community, and we have the opportunity to make real and meaningful change at a local level while we come together in this incredible city.

That being said, I'm asking for your support to make this dream a reality. The venue is already booked, and we are on the official TOTC schedule. This GoFundMe is to help offset the costs of rentals, equipment, garnishes, glassware, etc., so that every single penny we gather in July goes directly to the incredible people of New Orleans.

Where? Anna's NoLa

When? Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 @ 4pm-7pm

What? Drinks for Blossoms; A fundraiser for the unapologetically BLACK, TRANS, YOUTH of New Orleans through the spirit of drinks and hospitality: LOUD youth theater

I hope that you can find it in your heart to donate. And if not today, I hope to see you there on July 22nd, holding community with us.

As a gay cis white Mexican, I owe it to the greater community to use my platform to provide change, equity, and a voice for all those who are unable to be themselves without serious and real day-to-day repercussions. Trans rights are actively under attack within our country, and inaction or apathy is not an option on the table.

Our community is made up of so many different types of people, a wide and varying diaspora, and each and every one of us deserves the chance to be celebrated, supported, and to live with dignity and without persecution.

Thank you so much for your consideration. It means the absolute world.

In this time of need, it is so important to reflect inward, and explore community, what it means, and how we can sustain this living organism.

With so much love,

Carlos