Oscar Wilde LGBTQ Theme House Hosts "Queer Carnival" Fundraiser for the Berkeley Free Clinic

Online, November 2, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Oscar Wilde House, the first LGBTQ-themed cooperative house in the country, is hosting a "Queer Carnival" fundraiser for the Berkeley Free Clinic on Saturday, November 6 at 1:30 p.m. at 2410 Warring St. in Berkeley. The carnival is donation-based, with all proceeds being donated to the Berkeley Free Clinic-though no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

The Queer and Ally Benefit Carnival will feature live music, arts and crafts, a bake sale, barbecue, pie throwing, queer tango, open mic, and more. Local artists Annah Anti Palindrome, Koralie "Sugar" Hill, and Mad Noise are among the scheduled performers.

Founded in 1969 as a "street medicine" clinic, the Berkeley Free Clinic lost almost one-third of its total funding-including all funds for HIV preventive care-to state budget cuts a year ago. It is currently the only resource in Berkeley for free, rapid HIV testing, and an important asset to the community. "Our motto, 'health care for people, not profit' reflects our commitment to quality, client-centered care that is free of charge," said Sam Sheffield, a clinic volunteer.

In addition to providing much needed funds to the Berkeley Free Clinic, "the carnival will also allow queer and ally communities an opportunity to network and build community solidarity and visibility, all while having a great time," according to Chase Fischer, Wilde House Theme Coordinator and benefit co-planner.

Oscar Wilde House is part of the Berkeley Student Cooperative, which provides low-cost, quality student housing to its 1,275 members. The BSC operates 20 student-run, housing cooperatives in the neighborhoods that surround the UC Berkeley campus. Wilde House is A.D.A accessible.

###