Hello, to those of you who don't know me, my name is Jody Torres. After a catastrophic year of being unemployed, underemployed, and homeless for several months, I am in crisis. After coming out as transfeminine in 2023, I have been met with several roadblocks to receiving the gender affirming care I need to be able to participate in the world at large in any meaningful way. Far more pressing is that laws have gone into effect to ban the use of Medicaid for any kind of gender affirming care related to transgender folk, which I had recently acquired in Nevada, but had to leave behind after coming to Chicago to stay with family in April. Our current administration had also forced all Nevadans to reapply for SNAP benefits on February 1st, and I was denied after reapplying because I could prove I lived anywhere. While I've had many kind people offer me temporary housing between Las Vegas, Chicago, and Philadelphia, it's no longer sustainable for me to keep living this way.

I am currently staying at a hostel in Chicago, but my time is nearly up. I have found comfort and community in the Chicago comedy scene, insofar as to take a class at the Second City Theater where I have truly felt alive for the first time in years. I truly feel as if this a place I can belong and become what I'm truly meant to be.

What I am asking for is financial support while to allow me establish myself here long-term, feed and clothe myself, pursue gainful employment, continue my studies, and get the medical care I need to face the world as the woman I am.

My plans for financial assistance include:

I have been trying to use as many free community resources as possible, but many are under extreme duress right now and prioritizing those with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, and in generally more extreme situations of vulnerability than my own. My priority is survival right now, and I know that with your help, I may finally be able to breathe again. Thank you, and I love you all.

Be well,

Jody

(she/they)