(In photo: Calvin on left, Jason on right)

Hello, this is Rachael Kennemore, someone who loves Calvin Royal very much. This past Saturday morning, his boyfriend Jason Boggs was shot and killed outside his apartment in Kansas City. Not much is known about what happened but his murder is life shattering for so many people, especially Calvin. This occurring at the start of Pride month feels extra cruel.

Funds raised will go directly to help Calvin take time off of work to start genuine healing, pay his bills, and remove those stressors for as long as possible.

Calvin and Jason were alike in so many ways, most notably through genuine love and kindness they brought into the world. They also shared many interests and found belonging together. Sadly, their stories were similar with far more experiences of grief and struggle than is a fair share for anyone. Both had lost their mothers too early, and Jason’s partner passed a few years ago. For him to find love again with Calvin was such a blessing in both their lives. They shared a passion for art, music, movies, and books.

These past few days have been truly heartbreaking, as we’ve struggled to start the process of post-life affairs handling. Jason’s dogs have needed our love and a new home eventually. His apartment and possessions need to be sorted. Obviously returning to work after such a gruesome loss is very difficult. Calvin needs the option of a real block of time to not worry about money, while he tries to pick up the pieces and find beauty in life again.

As we learn more from the detectives we’ll be able to share details about the crime, but as of right now we don’t know specifics of who was involved, why it happened, exactly where it occurred, or whether or not justice will be served. Gun violence is soul crushing, in every instance. For it to affect Calvin this directly and take Jason from us all so early in his life, well it’s simply too much.

Thank you for your time and consideration.