Writer Roxane Gay attends the Feminist AF Panel at Vulture Festival in Los Angeles, California.(TARA ZIEMBA/AFP/Getty)
Roxane Gay has restored everyone’s faith in humanity by offering to buy groceries for people in financial trouble because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The bisexual feminist writer, professor and commentator wrote on Twitter: “If you are broke and need to stock up on groceries I will Venmo you $100. Like 10 people. It’s not much but I know it’s rough out there. Reply with your Venmo.”
If you are broke and need to stock up on groceries I will Venmo you $100. Like 10 people. It’s not much but I know it’s rough out there. Reply with yr Venmo
— roxane gay (@rgay) March 14, 2020
She said she sent money to 20 randomly picked people, and her act of kindness inspired her followers to do the same.
One Twitter user reached out to Los Angeles residents who were concerned about feeding their children because of school closures.
She wrote: “Feel free to DM me and I will personally deliver whatever I can to help.
“So many people have helped me in my time in need and I truly want to pay it forward.”
If you’re in #LosAngeles and are concerned about feeding your child because of school closures due to #coronavirus feel free to DM me and I will personally deliver whatever I can to help. So many people have helped me in my time in need and I truly want to pay it forward.
— Mandy Aracena (@TheMandyAracena) March 14, 2020
Another wrote: “Just opened a VENMO account, can afford to give 20 ppl $50… hit me up.”
Just opened a VENMO account, can afford to give 20 ppl $50… hit me up
An excellent way to spend a rainy Saturday.
— chrissie fatta (@chrissiefatta) March 14, 2020
While many of her followers offered help to anyone that needed it, others that were in trouble also used the comments to ask for assistance.
One person wrote: “I literally have no money and I’m living by myself supporting myself I would love the extra help.” Another Twitter user was quick to help them out.
just sent you something! 🙂
— Kenidra4Humanity (@KenidraRWoods_) March 14, 2020
Another person was helped out after saying they needed to feed their “dog son”. They received the response: “Sent you a little something for living the pug life. Good luck!”
Sent you a little something for living the pug life. Good luck!
— Brandon Bilinski (@bilinski) March 14, 2020
A teacher living “pay check to pay check” also reached out for help, sharing their Venmo details.
One of Gay’s followers replied: “Done. Hope it helps. Gotta support and elevate our teachers.”
Done. Hope it helps. Gotta support and elevate our teachers.
— Suset Laboy Pérez (@SusetLaboy) March 14, 2020
I can’t CSI this. If people are shady, well, that’s between them and Beyoncé
— roxane gay (@rgay) March 14, 2020
Some were concerned that Roxane Gay might be targeted by scammers, but she responded: “I can’t CSI this. If people are shady, well, that’s between them and Beyoncé.”