The celebration planned for Queer LifeSpace, a nonprofit providing mental health care to LGBTQIA+ clients in the Castro, turned into a plea for help. San Francisco Supervisor Ahsha Safaí was set to honor the clinic for its service and therapist training, but Executive Director Ryan MacCarrigan used the event to rally against displacement.
MacCarrigan accused the landlord of imposing “dubious fees and penalties” in an attempt to evict the clinic unjustly. He believes the landlord is committing fraud by making false claims about money owed. The lack of justification for these claims led the clinic to refuse to pay, which resulted in threats from the landlord.
According to MacCarrigan, the property managers have even begun showing the clinic space to prospective tenants in breach of the lease agreement. He stated that the situation is “ridiculous” and expressed frustration over the landlord’s actions.
The event drew a few dozen supporters who stood in solidarity with Queer LifeSpace. MacCarrigan expressed his gratitude to those who came out to support the clinic and reiterated their determination to fight against displacement and continue providing crucial mental health services to the LGBTQIA+ community in the Castro.
