Toronto comedian and Glad Day Bookshop employee Jade Niles-Craig stopped by the BS News blog to share an important cause and great opportunity to support artists in Toronto’s LGBTQ community.

For those of you who don’t know, Glad Day Bookshop, which was recently forced to close as a safety precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic, is not just a book store. Glad Day is a community hub and supporter of Toronto’s queer artists. Unfortunately, closing their doors has detrimentally impacted local patrons and the income of many queer artists, as well as employees. Jade notes that, “the owner of Glad Day isn’t laying off any staff and is trying really hard to find ways to give us work and also provide us with an income despite being closed. I have never felt this secure or valued at a job.”

In wake of this, Glad Day Lit has opened an emergency fund for those hit the hardest, and is in need of donations. Jade has informed us that Glad Day Lit has received more than 1100 applications so far. “A lot of people need help, and the funds are being dispersed as quickly as possible. Many people have received funds already and this was started about a week ago. Thankfully, a large donation pledged recently will hopefully be at our disposal soon as well to help us help more people.”

If you are able, please consider providing a donation to the Glad Day Lit Emergency Fund. If you are not in a position to donate but would like to help, please share this article.

If you would like to apply, or have queer folx in your life in need of assistance. For more information please visit the website and fill out an application.