Mesh.LGBT

We see the demand for more queer spaces

Self-identified LGBTQ+ folks have been steadily rising, with it currently being at 7.1% in the U.S., which amounts to around 24.2 Million people. Now more than ever, queer events and places to gather are popping up in major cities that cater directly to us but, there’s one big catch: there is no centralized database for queer events.

MESH will provide a platform for queer people to find and promote events, not just for nightlife, but all types of queer gatherings, from workshops to classes, arts and culture events, support groups, community organizing, and event private events among friends. We will also function as a queer-owned, ethical ticketing platform! 🎫

We will use our fundraising to continue developing the MESH app, as our goal is to use our current website and Instagram account, building the identity and functionality of MESH so that queer folks across the country can have access to more events with people just like them.

LGBTQ+ Events are hard to find (and there is a reason for that)

Historically, queer community spaces have had to exist underground (for good reasons!), and it’s safe to say that many of them still do and will continue to as we navigate new political and social climates each day. Events in our community have never belonged on mainstream platforms, and let’s face it, they aren’t built with us in mind.

At MESH, we stand firmly on inclusivity, authenticity, and empowerment, and understand that the success of these spaces hinges on the trust and support that comes within the community.

We wanted to build an app that:

1. Has organizers with in-depth knowledge of the community and events that can not be reached on mainstream platforms.

2. Is a centralized platform for queer events. 

3. Uses specific event tagging with relevant language. 

4. Is independent of language and audience restrictions on Instagram and Eventbrite

The Process

The MESH team began forming in January. We then spent February continuing to build out our team and doing extensive product and user research. During March we began the app design process and refined our brand. Throughout April, we will continue to design the app and begin development during the latter half of the month. We will be dedicating May to development and testing, which will continue through early June. Our goal is to have the beta to users in June.

Cost Breakdown

👏🏻We want to pay our people what they deserve👏🏻 Up until now, we’ve had so many people who are willing to help us out, and work on building this with us for very little. The money we raise will go largely towards development and design, other employee compensation to our fully queer & trans team, and a variety of fees associated with making MESH happen (i.e. maintenance, hosting, and legal fees).

We’re hoping to reach a goal of $25,000 as we’re estimating: 

~$5K UX Design & Research 

~$10k App Development 

~$5k Contractors (shout out to social media, branding, marketing, and community outreach) 

~$5k Legal, Maintenance, & Hosting Fees

The Ask

Help us build the community platform that we deserve, by us, for us. Whether you’re going out or coming out, MESH can help you do it right the first time.

Everyone who supports us will be able to download the beta version of the app and offer feedback.