The Rainbow Dragons Trove -
There is a glaring lack of LGBTQ+ welcoming spaces that aren’t alcohol-based. The Rainbow Dragons’ Trove is just that - a place where anyone (queer or not) can relax, play some games, and have a cup of tea without judgement. I’m Alice - a transgender asexual woman - and starting this shop is basically my dream.
Initially, I need to establish myself as an online retailer and pop-up stall. Amidst COVID and the recession, a brick-and-mortar shop is impossible. The target goal is what I need to get the stall and stock for a few months. We’ll have a couple of tables, some tabletop gaming merchandise, and a vending machine for tea. To protect people, everyone will have access to (free) X-Tokens which can be placed on the table to stop a conversation then and there without needing explanation. This will be enforced by the management.
Ultimately, this creates a space where people can sit and chill, play some games, or just chat over a cup of tea.
Initially, I was going to get a loan from the government but that fell through. Nevertheless, I think that this is something that needs to exist. The Rainbow Dragons’ Trove needs to exist.
If this GoFundMe doesn’t reach its full amount, I intend to set myself up as just an online retailer until I can save enough to open the actual store. Initially, the goal was much lower, but I realised that an online retailer can’t create the space I want. It’s a stepping stone, a fallback option that I’d rather avoid, so I’m stepping up and asking for the amount to get the stall going.
One day, I intend to move to a full bricks-and-mortar location complete with cafe and LGBTQ+ books. For now though, all I ask is for the help to get started. Help me help the South Yorkshire LGBTQ+ community by creating a space that doesn’t require you to be an adult, or to drink alcohol, or to hook up with people. Help me create a space that doesn’t have to be hidden away after hours, where anyone can sit down and relax without worrying about the world for a while. The first location would be based in Sheffield, and hopefully, I would be able to expand to other stores and support LGBTQ+ communities across the UK.
Above all else, this is my goal.
I have always strived to be the person I needed when I was younger. To me, The Rainbow Dragons’ Trove will be the place I needed when I was younger and unless I’m mistaken, the place people need today.
If you can’t donate, share. If you can donate, you help make this possible.
Whether you share or donate, I am eternally grateful.
Thank you,
Alice.