Survivor of assault seeks safety

Last weekend I was sexually assaulted on my way to work while riding the MAX. The train was relatively empty and a man sat beside me and proceeded to put his hands on my thigh and between my legs. I froze and couldn’t do anything because I had the window seat and he had me trapped. After a moment, I was able to shoot him a look of sheer panic and he dashed off the train at the next stop.

As a queer, brown femme I am regularly subjected to harassment when taking public transit and living in a city with a large Nazi presence means that my safety is never a guarantee when I go to work or appointments. As a survivor of prior rape and assault, this was just the icing on the cake and it’s become absolutely critical that I get a vehicle of my own.

I’m asking for help to raise $2000 to buy a car to get me safely to and from work/errands without having a panic attack every time I leave the house. This will help cover the actual cost of the vehicle, registration, and the first month of insurance. I am gainfully employed but haven’t had the ability to save enough for such an immediate need.

My safety is my number one priority and having a vehicle will help alleviate SO much stress from my daily life. Living as a brown person in a White Supremacist-heavy place like Portland means that I am in constant fear for my life and well-being. Having a car of my own will mean that I am able to handle my responsibilities without being so anxious about what might happen when I leave the house.

I’d be really appreciative if folks were able to donate and share. It would really mean the world to me.