Why I’m Not Giving Up

Mike discusses his recent experience with homelessness in Portland, his bipolar diagnosis, and the challenges of being unemployed during the pandemic. Despite his hardships, Mike remains focused on the future of his nonprofit Crimson Rouge Studios and his long-term goal of opening a community-focused Queer space.

Hello everyone, I'm Mike George, coming to you live from Portland, Oregon, at Crimson Rouge Studios. I'll be honest — I'm feeling a bit down today. Many of you know I’ve been navigating homelessness for a couple of months now. While I’ve been blessed with an incredible support system and generous people, it’s been a difficult balancing act. There is a constant anxiety about the future, especially with winter approaching.

Being homeless has given me a raw, unfiltered perspective on the soul of Portland that I wouldn't have seen otherwise. It’s an epidemic here, but in the middle of a pandemic, I’ve realized that while we may be socially distant, we don't have to be spiritually distant. I’ve spent a lot of time soul-searching, despite people blaming me for my situation—my job loss, my bipolar diagnosis, or my financial struggles. I’ve learned that life is about reassessing everything.

I founded Crimson Rouge Studios back in March 2019 in Montreal before moving to Portland. It’s been a journey, and I’ve learned that people often turn their backs when you are honest about your mental health. I’m currently dealing with some personal betrayal—the 'Fabulous Four'—and I am working with the police to resolve issues regarding stolen property and forged documents. It’s a work in progress, but I’m not giving up.

Despite the setbacks, my goal for Crimson Rouge remains clear: to build a community-focused space. In about five to eight years, I hope to open a brick-and-mortar queer bar in Ohio—somewhere like Steubenville or Dayton. We are currently looking for talented people to join our collective. Starting a business during COVID is incredibly hard, but I’m focused on the long-term vision.

I’ve been using these livestreams to connect, chat, and keep things interactive. I’m grateful for viewers like Liam from Columbus who join in. It’s been a tough year; I wasn't laid off due to COVID, which made me ineligible for unemployment, adding to my financial strain. However, I’m committed to keeping this platform going, sharing music, and continuing to build Crimson Rouge. Thank you for listening. Take care of yourselves, and take care of each other.