Blythe's Gender Affirmation Journey
Hi, there! My name is Blythe Marks and I'm a recent graduate of Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University with degrees in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies. As I move forward with my professional career in writing, community organizing, and academia, I need to put my best face forward in order to flourish and establish myself as a leader in my field.
My quest toward happiness and fulfillment as a transgender woman has been both a journey of joy and a struggle to survive. It's been eye-opening, earth-shattering, and the best decision I've ever made. I've made so many friends by choosing to be honest with myself and choosing love over shame.
That's where you come in! I am nothing without the community that surrounds me, and this is your chance to celebrate my livelihood by making a positive impact on my future.
WHERE MY FUNDS GO:
These funds will directly contribute to my wellbeing, safety, and stability in the world.
Want proof?
Almost 30 transgender people, virtually all trans women of color, were killed in the United States in 2017. (Read more here: http://bit.ly/2yxtMma)
Trans women a 1-in-12 chance of being murdered in their lifetime, which is astronomically disproportionate to the general population. For trans women of color, that rises to 1-in-8. I carry a mixture of privilege and oppression everywhere I go, and I hope to emerge from this a stronger, more stable woman who can commit the resources of my time and money back to the communities that have uplifted me.
Hair might seem like a trivial thing, but for many trans people it drastically affects their day-to-day life. Laser hair removal, electrolysis, and other procedures are not covered my most medical insurance plans, including mine. As a result, many transgender women like myself struggle to balance everyday expenses with paying for these invaluable and practical procedures.
However, the bottom line is simple: These treatments are not luxuries. They are lifesavers.
A face free of facial hair affirms my gender, keeps me out of harm's way, and allows me full range of movement throughout the world as a creative woman seeking genuine connection with other human beings. I'm very lucky to receive treatment from a clinic that specializes in caring for the transgender community, but it's still expensive, time-consuming, and a long-term facet of my overall healthcare plan.
Learn all the facts about laser hair removal and electrolysis here: http://bit.ly/2CUuhM5
You might be asking yourself, "Where will these funds go?" Let me tell you:
$5000 is a rough estimate that will be used to apply for a U.S. passport; further rounds of facial laser hair removal treatment; and 30 hours of electrolysis to clear up any stubborn hair growth on my face. This is a lasting, permanent procedure that will last the rest of my life. It's costly, but the return on investment is priceless. Read more about the importance of electrolysis for trans folks here: http://bit.ly/2miBLiE
Any extra funds will be put into a savings account to pay for future treatments not covered by insurance.
If you can't help out through donating, the best way to assist me is by sharing this campaign on your favorite social media sites. Whether it's a link in your Instagram bio, a post on Facebook, or a text/DM to a friend, every single action taken toward making this goal a reality will make my life easier to live. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out and I'll respond as quickly as I can. Thank you!
