Hi, I'm Betsy and I'm raising money to support my roommate's top surgery!

This is something that Leon has been working towards for years, but especially given...everything currently happening, they are eager to move forward ASAP. While we're lucky and insurance will cover some of it, the remainder is definitely not nothing.

So, I'm passing the hat around, following in the tradition of generations of the queer community coming together to care for each other however we can. I know people always say this, but I truly do not expect my loved ones to hand over giant sums of money. It's hard times for everyone. But if you can chip in a couple dollars or help spread the word, I know that the people who love Leon -- either directly or connected via webs of fabulous strangers -- can help make this happen.

Q: Why am I raising the money and not Leon?

A: Be assured, they know that this is happening and are both on board and will be getting all the money. But being queer always (and especially now) means community, so this is just one way I can help take some of the work off Leon's plate. I mean, I'll also be taking over their household chores, but that's harder to crowdsource (though if you can find a way to help sweep over Venmo, please tell me of your magic).

Q: What is this money going towards?

A: Almost all of this is going specifically to the medical fees. The full amount is $6900. The additional amount we're asking for is to cover 1. Gofundme fees, because they take a percentage of each donation. 2. Small expenses for recovery time, mostly to help offsite things like grocery delivery or a wedge pillow. I and the rest of our community will definitely be doing all we can to help Leon and running errands, cooking, etc. but sometimes you can't wait for your friend to get off work and you just need Instacart to bring you soup.

Q. Ok but, Mulan??

IYKYK, but if you don't, just remember: you must be swift as the coursing river, with all the force of a great typhoon, with all the strength as a raging fire, mysterious as the dark side of the moon. (If you're still lost, sing the title of the song, or a similar one that Frank N. Furter first sings to Rocky)