Mosaics Community Bookstore & Venue, a queer bookstore and event space founded by drag artist Tara Lipsyncki in Provo, Utah, last year, is in danger of closing due to the rising cost of operations, including additional security.
To help offset costs and keep the store open, Lipsyncki has launched an Indiegogo campaign with the goal of raising $200,000. Money raised will go toward rent and utilities, security, employee salaries, providing medical and mental health services for community members, and more. Without help, Mosaics will have to close by December 1.
Noting that the bookstore is in a deeply conservative area, Lipsyncki wrote that there have been multiple bomb threats made against Drag Story Hour events held at Mosaics, and Lipsyncki and their husband have had to move due to being doxed by hate groups.
Mosaics is also the hub of the United Drag Alliance 510c3, and offers free and pay-what-you-can services to the community such as a food pantry, Spanish-language books (in partnership with the nonprofit Brain Food Books), contraception supplies, and more.
"Mosaics provides services and a safe space that saves lives," Lipsyncki wrote. "Many individuals come to find shelter and safety inside Mosaics when they are abandoned by family, isolated from previous religious and social groups, and even blacklisted from employment opportunities simply for being who they are."