Forty percent of homeless youth in America are members of the LGBTQ+ community, as reported by the True Colors Fund, an organization that seeks to aid the homeless LGBTQ+ community in any way it can. Although this is a national organization, some Gainesville locals feel the need to speak out about this issue and help raise money for those in need. Hardback Cafe, located at 211 W. University Ave., will be hosting a benefit to support this fund and its cause Friday.
The bands playing this event — Poblano, Flowan, Sports Reference, Sam Kuhns — are volunteering their time to support this cause. The doors open at 9 p.m., and the show starts at 10 p.m.
There is a $3 cover, or donation, at the door. There will be a Gainesville Artwalk display before the benefit starts.
Bar manager and co-event coordinator of the cafe Julia Bushnell said she expects there will be a good turnout and that “it should be a full evening of events.” Bushnell was made aware of the True Colors Fund by a regular customer, Tyler Thompson.
Following the election in November, Thompson suggested to Bushnell that the Hardback regularly host some sort of benefit to help people who may be affected by the new presidential office.
“It seems like an appropriate time to do something,” Bushnell said.
Hardback Cafe has hosted benefits in the past, and Bushnell said she especially likes to host a benefit when someone brings a specific organization to her attention.
Poblano, an Indie punk band playing for the benefit, is “mad stoked” to be able to help this cause. Levi Bradford, the guitar and vocalist for the band, has a special connection to this cause, as his brother is transgender.
“As a straight white cis dude, I’m glad to be able to do something,” Bradford said.
Bradford said he realized many youth may become homeless after their coming out, and this is a serious issue. Poblano said it is proud to be playing this event, and it said Hardback Cafe is really doing something great to help people.
Like Poblano, Sports Reference said it oves to help in any way that it can. Thompson contacted Sports Reference, and the band was eager to say yes.
Jeremy McGuire, the drummer and backup vocalist for the emo-punk or “sad rock” band, said this is “a time where it is really important to us to help when we can.”
The goal is to raise money to help the homeless LGBTQ+ community, and many people are throwing their full support behind this cause, but the local entertainment is another big appeal for this event
“Sports Reference all day, every day,” said Matt Marder, a fan of several of the local bands performing. “Also, Flowan’s new stuff is really, really great. I’m ready.”
