April 18, 2015
This "Virtual Pizza" Supports LGBT Equality
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
More than 29,000 people donated to a crowdfunding campaign to help Memories Pizza stay in business after the owners closed their doors amidst a backlash for saying they would not cater a gay wedding.
More than $840,000 was raised, in only 4 days, to support the Indiana-based business.
In response two counter campaigns continue to raise funds for LGBT causes.
"Support LGBT Youth In Indiana" is looking to raise money for the Indiana Youth Group, an LGBT organization that supports LGBT youth in the state.
"Take a minute and, instead of trolling Memories on Yelp and being angry about it on Facebook and Twitter, donate $10; do something positive that will have a direct impact on LGBT youth in the state of Indiana," the founder of the GoFundMe campaign wrote.
Memories has since reopened with its owners saying they wouldn't do anything differently and still oppose catering a gay wedding.
So far the campaign has raised more than $31,000 from 1,006 people. But donations have slowed in the last week.
Another campaign "Virtual Pizza...Give a Slice of Hope" has raised more than $75,000 and appears on its way to reaching its goal of $100,000.
"We find the idea of rewarding bigotry silly and shameful, so in response, Planting Peace urges you to join us showing support to the LGBTQ community by donating to our virtual pizza fundraiser. Buy a virtual slice online and the money we raise will go to support beds for LGBTQ homeless," states the CrowdRise campaign website. "While one family is being supported with nearly a million dollars for acts of bigotry, there are LGBTQ people being rejected by their families and society because of these very acts of bigotry. Don't let acts of hate overshadow acts of love and compassion; please take a stand with Planting Peace and donate here."
Online: Support LGBT Youth In Indiana: bit.ly/1IkhSx6 and Virtual Pizza...Give a Slice of Hope: CrowdRise.com/lgbtpizza
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.