Hi, I’m Gina Rae Duran

I am a Queer Indigenous Chicanx, substitute teacher, writer, artist and volunteer radio show host at KQBH LA (Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory). As some may know, I have done a lot of volunteer and paid work with the IE Hope Collective for the homeless and houseless living on the streets, as well as for the LGBTQ2S+, foster, disabled, and refugee youth, as well as for youth in juvenile halls. However, this last year was my slowest volunteer year because my car started having so many problems I had to downsize and move things into a smaller storage unit near my house. Then I had to take buses and trains to work and to school, so my back went out.

I took a train to AWP and my friends with Inlandia let me stay with them, in exchange for working the booth so I could speak on a panel. Then I got home and I couldn’t walk anymore.

I had to borrow money to repair my car and I lost three months of work.

I went to the hospital several times, but all they would give me was steroids. They refused to give me X-rays until I had consistent pain. I had to come back for at least six months. I was already on an anti-inflammatory diet because of early menopause due to endometriosis and a long history of back issues—due to childhood trauma.

I tried doing a Gofundme but I only received $50. A few friends helped me with utilities and I was applying for better jobs within my field, because I just graduated. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get any work so I went back to school to get a Post-MFA certificate to teach creative writing. I took out more student loans, which helped me get back on my feet and continued the job search, fixed my car, and picked up more side jobs. I now work 5 jobs and do my volunteer work.

Unfortunately, that was not the end of my story because my back went out again and the holidays rolled around, so I went three more months out of work and I have no student loans to save me. I developed vertigo and was given more steroids, which didn’t really help. They finally ordered new labs and tests. I have low TSH thyroid and the doctor won’t give me thyroid medication until after 6 months and the X-rays show that I have osteoarthritis in my spine and sacrum—which is caused by trauma to the body and menopause increases the risk.

I live on my own and have a 10 month old border collie named Dandy, who makes sure I walk to keep my back healthy, and a 12 year old black cat named Mama Berry, who purrs, kisses and cuddles me.

We are now three months behind on rent and my landlord says I can pay an additional $200 a month on top of my $1,700 a month to help me recover. However, he is also telling me I will have to move out if I don’t pay him $1,900.00 this month. He is essentially trying to evict me without a notice. I just need help with this month, but I really need $5,100.00 so I can clear my debt with him as I continue to look for work, because I just got my certification in January. And it would be really nice to have one less stress for my 49th birthday, this February 15th.

Thank you for your consideration.

Warmly,

Gina Rae