Rev. Phoenixx here. A little over a year ago, my partner and I purchased an old historic Baptist church in a very red area to open 2 Be - a spiritual and cultural arts center that is a registered safe space for all LGBT, minorities, and spiritual and cultural events. We operate The Cantankerous Crow Apothecary inside, offering spiritual gifts, herbs, and products as a way to help support some operating expenses - aka utilities. We totally self-fund this center as an act of love.

As many of you know, over the past month, we have been victims of several crimes and acts on top of the average daily pushbacks - not limited to but including me having rocks thrown at me and being called slurs. Our building, grounds, and vehicles have had slurs and suggestions to “off ourselves” for providing this space. Recently, my partner reached out for help from law enforcement, which only escalated the problem. Instead of providing protection, they stirred more issues for us, including contacting state-level people who are now forcing a 20k code renovation conversion. The only option we have to come up with that money is to sell our home. Which we will if necessary because we are committed to this safe space for those who so desperately need it. Hate cannot win at any price.

Several of you suggested I start a GoFundMe just to see what happens. This is something that is very difficult for me to do. My entire life is about giving to others and trying to better the community of other fellow marginalized people. This is a tough time economically in our country. I’m very well aware. I can’t just outright ask for help; that's not my nature because I never want anyone to think the love I have for them or what I do is conditional or comes with strings. Neither of us do. I can tell you out of gratefulness if I somehow met this goal or close, I will be putting all of your wonderful names on a wall. Much love to everyone. Thanks for reading. But no matter what, love others.