Help a Black Lesbian Uproot and Heal

*UPDATED* For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Bri Joy. I’m a Black Non-binary Lesbian community organizer and healer here in Atlanta. I’m asking for $8,888 to start a new life in New York City. Before I ask so much of you, let me tell you a little of my story. My year started out with escaping an incredibly abusive romantic relationship/living situation with no money or plan of what to do— at the beginning of the Pandemic. I was rendered houseless, and the Atlanta queer community, especially the BIPOC, lifted me up and funded me through that scary situation. I want to first thank all of you who really shared graphics, sent funds and kept me in prayer during that time. I’ve since seen this person several times around the city, and without disclosing too many details, I would simply describe seeing them as a complete re-traumatization. I already suffer from PTSD, and seeing them is really holding back healing for me. I was outed at a very young age and have a strained relationship with my family. One of my parents is a narcissist and financial abuser, and they keep financial strongholds over me to keep me stagnant. One of these, among many, is my car. My car is owned by my father, despite my many requests to have the ownership transferred to give me a semblance of independence. I’ve come to realize that the only viable way to get out from under his thumb and cut off all contact with him for good is to give the car back, which means I wouldn’t have a car (can’t afford one any time soon). Which brings me to the importance of not only moving away, but to a metropolitan city with a comprehensive transportation system. Moving up north isn’t just about escaping trauma, it’s about healing from it, and having the space to do so. It’s also been a dream of mine since I was very young to move to New York, as it is for several others, I know. As an activist and organizer, New York calls to me for their vigor and perseverance. As a healer, New York calls to me for it’s being the center of the world— my ancestors tell me I have so much work to do there. As an actor, the implications of being in New York are quite obvious and could mean a lot for my career. So this is extremely important to me. All this year, we’ve been speaking about how Black Lives Matter, Black Visions Matter, Black Dreams Matter— and I think my life, visions and dreams are included in that. I’m asking for $8,888 in donations to help cover: Rent/bills until the end of the year First two months of New York rent/bills Therapy and medication Car repairs for return to parent Moving expenses Groceries and basic expenses There are many ways to donate! I run a business called Radical Healing Collective, and I provide things like tarot, reiki, spiritual consultations, and spellwork as well as handmade botanical goods. You can follow RHC on Instagram @radicalhealingatl and book at www.radicalhealingcollective.com I’m selling most of my things on Instagram @mythingsareyoursnow I have an onl*f*ns @babythegoddess And I have cashapp and venmo as well if you don’t want to subject your donation to the taxing that GoFundMe does! I’m working on creating more avenues for abundance to flow as well. But sharing and boosting is so helpful! Thank you to everyone who has donated and shared so far. You’re making a young Black dream come true.