Fundraiser for As You Are on Barracks Row

500 8th Street, SE via As You Are

“Dear PoPville,

Could you share the GoFundMe for As You Are. on Barracks Row? It’s such a unique and important community space and it would be a huge shame for DC to lose it.”

The fundraiser says:

“Hello Friends,

As You Are. (AYA) DC is in need of urgent support.

Many of you may already know who we are and for those of you who don’t, we are the only Queer safe space of our kind to our knowledge. AYA is a cafe, bar & dance floor that hosts diverse programming nearly every night of the week including; social sport leagues, Queer youth socials, weekly karaoke, book clubs, open mics, Queer author events, dance parties, and much more! My wife Jo, and I are the co-founders of this Queer haven in Capitol Hill, DC and our entire team is a part of executing the mission of AYA existing to hold and cultivate a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community. While this community is our priority, everybody is welcome to join us in lovingly celebrating our magnificent Queer culture.

We have faced some particularly tall and costly hurdles that have set us back significantly since the beginning. As we are tapping every resource we can imagine with creativity and open minds we need urgent assistance.

The funds raised will go toward catching up on overhead costs and debts incurred during a slow season at the close of last year. While AYA has seen a significant increase in customer traffic and revenue that is promising moving forward the funds raised will be applied immediately to saving AYA from closure.

As You Are is the fruit of our community’s labor, love, and loyalty. Together we have built a safe haven for so many from every part of the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies. Our team is committed to keeping the Queer community safe through fierce protection of the atmosphere and culture, diversifying our menu and programming to serve people from all walks, and keeping our space and services accessible and affordable. The team at AYA is made up of deeply invested Queer people that represent across many intersections and have contributed to the culture in ways there are not words to describe. Many of you know and love them, I know Jo and I sure do! We would be remiss not to shout them out and thank them for making AYA what it is with their love and due diligence.

If you’re in a position to help, we would be so grateful.

With love, always,
Coach”