We are calling on unions to
Help Glad Day Write The Next Chapter
By contributing to our special
LABOUR OF LOVE CAMPAIGN
Campaign Goal: $100,000
let’s connect:
support@gladday.ca
The LABOUR OF LOVE CAMPAIGN will support:
Labour of Love Signature Events - $20,000
Trans and Non-Binary Resiliency Fund - $20,000
2SLGBTQ Youth Resiliency Fund - $20,000
Family and Children Programming Fund - $10,000
The Labour of Love Podcast Series - $15,000
Glad Day Workers Support Fund - $15,000
What is the main purpose of this campaign?
This Labour of Love campaign is a practical way for the union movement to contribute directly to programs and services that support their diverse memberships, strengthen social justice and help Glad Day survive in these precarious times. Glad Day has no core funding - this union movement funding will give us crucial stability in the unstable moment we are now in.
What is unique about this moment?
We are seeing an increase of attacks against 2SLGBTQ people, especially against our trans and non-binary communities while, at the same time, corporations are abandoning DEI supports & sponsorships. Everyday people are struggling to make ends meet, meaning less people are able to be individual donors to help Glad Day keep going.
This is why the support of the union movement is vital.
Can we donate to specific streams?
Yes. We broke the funding down into specific streams because we know different unions have different priorities, This gives you some choice and flexibility with your funding.
If you “Fully Fund” any of the funding streams, you will be named as the presenting sponsor for all those events/activities and your logo will appear on all promotional materials. There may be other perks for your union - let’s talk about it!
How is this different from the campaign you are running for individual donors?
We are currently running a campaign for individual donors to help set Glad Day up in the new space and new model. If we don’t raise $80,000 from that campaign, we will be in serious trouble and donations for that are much slower than we expected. The funds for that really just go to keeping Glad Day running at a ‘basic functioning’ level.
This Labour of Love campaign is about going beyond barely functioning; with your support we can continue or expand the programming that has been meaningful and sometimes life saving for people.
What is Glad Day Lit? Why is Glad Day moving from Church Street?
Glad Day Lit is a registered non-profit that supports and is continuing the legacy of Glad Day Bookshop. Glad Day is the world’s oldest queer and trans bookstore. At our Church Street location we hosted 500-800 events a year, most of which needed funding from Glad Day (yes - that is more than one event a day!). However, with the rent at almost $18,000 a month, we needed to move to a more sustainable model and space. The City of Toronto is temporarily letting Glad Day Lit run out of 32 Lisgar (near Queen West and Ossington) while we work on some exciting long-term plans. The cost is very low but without knowing what book, coffee and ticketed events sales will be… we are in a very precarious and fragile situation.
We are working very closely with the City to find a sustainable space back in the Church Street area, and there are really exciting possibilities, but it will take time.
You can read more about it here: https://www.gladday.ca/
Or listen to an interview on Metro Morning: Here
What perks and recognition do we get for giving to this Labour of Love?
You can check out the different levels of appreciation here:
https://www.gladday.ca/lofluvperks
What will the different priority streams fund?
Each priority stream is a little different. Here is more information about them:
Labour of Love Signature Events - $20,000
With this funding we will create 3 major events a year for union members. They will be held in a space that fits at least 200 people. The main priority will be for union members to make connections, socialize and see how the union movement is committed to reducing oppression and increasing justice and joy. We imagine it may be something like a night of live music, drag and spoken word. It may be 200 person night of euchre and trivia. It may be an afternoon of legendary queer and trans union trailblazers on a panel, followed by karaoke.
Trans and Non-Binary Resiliency Fund - $20,000
With this funding we will create programming for trans and non-binary folks, as well as pay trans and non-binary people for their labour and art.
2SLGBTQ Youth Resiliency Fund - $20,000
With this funding we will create programming for 2SLGBTQ youth 14-24. There would be a stream for high school aged youth and a separate one for people 19-24.
Family and Children Programming Fund - $10,000
With this funding we will create programming for 2SLGBTQ families. This would include programming that is meaningful for queer and trans parents, children of queer and trans parents, and parents of gender non-conforming and/or queer and trans kids.
The Labour of Love Podcast Series - $15,000
With this funding, we would record and share a 6-10 episode podcast series that interviews 2SLGBTQ legends of the labour movement, with a focus on Ontario. We will only start this project if we get 75% of our funding goal.
Glad Day Workers Support Fund - $15,000
Glad Day currently employs 15 people. With this major move and less revenue, staff will have their hours significantly reduced and some will no longer have positions. While we are working hard to help staff find other meaningful work and creative ways to get paid in our new model, this Workers Support Fund would go a long way to help that. It would provide us funding to offer staff paid opportunities (like hosting events) and some emergency funds if any of them find themselves in a financial crisis in this time of change.
Ready to support or
want to find out more?
Contact Michael E. about next steps:
support@gladday.ca
What happens if you do not raise all the funds?
If we do meet our goal of $100,00, the breakdown of use of funds will look like this:
First $25,000:
Trans and Non-Binary Resiliency Fund- $7,000
2SLGBTQ Youth Resiliency Fund- $7,000
Family and Children Programming Fund- $3,000
Glad Day Workers Support Fund - $8,000
First $50,000
1 Labour of Love Signature Events - $6,000
Trans and Non-Binary Resiliency Fund- $12,000
2SLGBTQ Youth Resiliency Fund- $12,000
Family and Children Programming Fund- $5,000
Glad Day Workers Support Fund - $15,000
When we hit $75,000
3 Labour of Love Signature Events - $15,000
Trans and Non-Binary Resiliency Fund- $14,000
2SLGBTQ Youth Resiliency Fund- $14,000
Family and Children Programming Fund- $8,000
The Labour of Love Podcast Series - $9,000
Glad Day Workers Support Fund - $15,000