To know me is to know at least one or two stories about the precious Eugene.

I’m starting this little fundraiser to help a wonderful friend, neighbour, community elder, cancer survivor, and a deeply giving, fierce and fabulous, human, LGBTQ+, social rights advocate — who has made the Beltline so special, much brighter, more beautiful, and could use a little help right now.

I moved into the heritage building of High School Terrace in 2021, and from my 1912 balcony I saw him sitting in our shared courtyard for the first time.

He was surrounded by dozens of flowers (scroll for photos). He had a little solar powered fountain, a portable radio blasting opera on the CBC; he was reading a book – always reading, living, or telling a tale – and he was sipping wine from a silver CHALICE.

Gene looked up at me. “Fancy some champagne and vichyssoise in the garden?” he asked, winking.

Who was this magical human?

I soon found out. And more. The kindness, the humour, the extraordinary stories, the tenderness, the heartache of many years.

He tends to the courtyard garden every year, on his own dime, bicycling the heavy plant pots in two at a time, one slung over each side. He does this every year until there are hundreds of blooming petals, colours, scents.

Nobody does that. Look around at the shared spaces in the condo and apartment buildings we all rent. It’s rare for a tenant to take on simply because it’s kind, and because it makes something communal feel cared for. Everyone is always welcome.

There were three men who lived together in the townhouse downstairs: charming, playful Gene; gentle, sarcastic Mamoud; and the wildly amusing Leonard – who was in either Goa or Kenya at that time because as he'd famously say, he'd "rather STARVE than be cold" (lol I moved in Calgarian May). When he did show up and met me, he quipped: “well, they didn’t tell me an old BAT moved in upstairs".

And so the comedy, the dinners, the tales ensued for the next couple of years until I wasn't allow to renew because the property management company upped the rent of my one bedroom from $1200 to $1900 and I wasn’t even given the option.

They basically kicked everyone out but thankfully the beautiful boys downstairs were allowed to stay, likely because of everything Gene did for the garden, and I hope they understood that men in their 70s (and 50s Mamoud, sorry!) would have a hard time finding a new place to live.

Recently, while his roommates were away, Gene opened his home to rent a room to someone he believed was a long time friend. That trust was exploited in really awful ways, including damage to his beloved home, theft, and emotional distress.

Now he’s facing the cost of Beltline rent largely on his own, while also trying to find a new housemate — especially unsettling after what he’s been through.

Gene has spent his whole fascinating life giving his humour, his care, his beauty, his heart. It would mean so much to give something back — to remind him that while one person can take, many can give.

As they say, even a little goes a long way. These times can be tight, but they are also really tough for people especially as of late, and showing a little to someone who does a lot is the love we all need right now.

If you can give, thank you. If you can share, please do. ♥️✨

PS if you've ever walked past and noticed the "28 Barbary Lane" sign affixed to the red brick (shown in the cover photo), Gene did that. Set in the fictional San Francisco apartment complex, Armistead Maupin’s series 28 Barbary Lane: Tales of the City is home to a bohemian cast navigating love and social and sexual boundaries in the 1970s—a landmark of LGBTQ+ fiction.

"It's about created families where fringe dwellers unite to make a better world." - Gene <3

Disclaimer:

This is a personal, community-based fundraiser created to support with basic living expenses. All funds raised are voluntary personal gifts, given in kindness and solidarity, and are not provided in exchange for goods or services.

The funds will be used solely to help with essential needs such as rent, food, and day-to-day support.