Help Tenant Rebuild After Unlawful Eviction

In late fall of 2023, I was illegally evicted from my home because my landlord decided they no longer wanted to be a landlord. I say “illegal” because we were given far less notice than required by law. I discovered this was happening when my roommates and I woke up one day to strangers walking around the house unannounced—even peeking into windows while some of us were changing.

Shortly after these people left, the landlord (BL) held a meeting to inform us that the house was being sold. Their delivery was shockingly impersonal and casual—they said, “I’m selling the house because I don’t wanna do this anymore.” While I understood their reasoning at the time, I couldn’t understand how someone who once claimed to care about protecting Black queer people in LA could show such disregard for us as tenants. Despite calling us “friends,” they didn’t provide enough time for us to find alternative housing.

BL repeatedly emphasized that the house was being sold and pressured us to leave. However, when I finally moved out, they made it seem like I could have stayed longer by “squatting,” which felt like an attempt to absolve themselves of guilt or responsibility.

When I received the news, I had just returned from tour and was already struggling financially. I was given only 45 days to leave—far too little time to catch up on bills from tour and secure new housing. As a result, I’ve been houseless for over a year now.

The lines between landlord and “friend” were blurred by BL, and I believe this is why they felt entitled to violate our rights as tenants. This past year has been incredibly challenging for my mental health, and while I’m far from giving up, I’m seeking some relief and stability.

I’m hoping to secure housing soon and am raising funds to cover a security deposit, rent, and moving costs.

I hesitated to create this GoFundMe, but I decided to do so after learning that this same landlord asked for reparations for their own hardships. As someone who lived with them and experienced the impact of their disregard for others and narcissistic tendencies, I found this deeply offensive. If they felt comfortable asking for help, I believe I should, too.

Thank you for reading and for any support you can offer.