SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The current owners of Outside of a Dog Books and Games, decided to sell their bookstore and move out of state because of the current anti-trans laws in the state. They will be moving by the end of the summer.
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Elias and Nova Donstad are a trans couple who were inspired to start a GoFundMe to buy the store after friends urged them to.
“We really respect what they’re doing for their family because their job as parents of a trans child is to keep their child safe. They’re doing that,” Nova Donstad said. “We believe that our job as trans adults is to work to make South Dakota safe for the next generation of trans.”
The fundraiser started about 24 hours ago and has already received donations towards its $25,000 goal.
“I’m pursuing a doctorate in English. I’m a book person. I love reading,” Elias Donstad said. “I want to be able to keep the love of literature and the love of books alive in Vermillion, especially outside of the University.”
The Donstads want to keep the store as a literary hub for the community, and continue events such as the many book clubs held there.
“Another plan that we’ve had is to start a weekly safe space for trans individuals in Vermillion, to be able to come in and just kind of talk and talk about how they’re feeling, what’s going on in their lives and just kind of have a safe space to feel and to share,” Nova said.
Nestled in the middle of downtown, the bookstore is a community staple for people residing in and visiting town, and they hope it can stay.
“I’m overwhelmed and honored by the support that we’ve gotten from friends, community members, our found family here in Vermillion. And I really hope that we can keep the place going,” Elias said.
Link to the GoFundMe.