The Bureau of General Services – Queer Division is holding a continuous fundraiser from July 26 through September 13 in efforts to keep this valuable queer resource available to New York City.
With proper funding BGSQD says they will be able to "secure a rental storefront on the Lower East Side, build a store, purchase necessary equipment and furniture, launch a small café, and establish an e-commerce page on their website. The addition of a café and an e-commerce page on the website will play a crucial role in making the Bureau a sustainable project by providing additional revenue."
BGSQD is a LGBT cultural center, bookstore, and event space hosted by Strange Loop Gallery on the Lower East Side of New York City. Donnie Jochum and Greg Newton founded BGSQD on November 15, 2012 after being inspired by the unfortunate closing of two important queer resources, much like BGSQD, A Different Light and Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop. They provide an inclusive space where LGBT individuals can socialize and share common ideas.
BGSQD is not only a bookstore, they also share many other art forms with the public. Since they've opened, they have held over 100 free or donation-supported events, and they also made the Best of New York list for 2013.
You can support the Bureau of General Services – Queer Division's fundraising efforts to keep this resource alive by donating to the fundraising project Future Perfect: Build the Bureau: $50K in 50 Days. The BGSQD will also be hosting a benefit party. The fundraising party will be held at The Pyramid Club at 101 Avenue A, New York on Wednesday, August 7, at 8PM.
Watch BGSQD's fundraising project video: