I'm Val, and I am a 27 year old transgender queer mixed person living in the Pacific Northwest! I am autistic, have multiple mental illnesses, and became physically disabled when I was 22.

I have been seizure-free long enough to be allowed to drive/own a vehicle again. So, I am asking for help with finally getting me a vehicle. Or at the very least, help creating some savings in case my Social Security gets taken away.

As a disabled person, I face daily challenges that most people do not need to think about– one of the biggest being reliable transportation. For me, a car is not just a convenience; it’s a lifeline.

Having my own vehicle would allow me to regain a sense of independence that I don’t always have access to right now. Public transportation is often inaccessible for me, and I cannot depend on others for rides. My health has been declining steadily since 2020, and losing access to my car really tanked my ability to show up to appointments. On top of this, my husband lives 3 hours away from me, and I want to be able to see him more freely. We live across the Canadian/American border, and with all the passport scary trans issues, it’s really important I am able to travel as freely as possible in case of emergencies. I also really want to access medical care and top surgery, but I need more stability in my life before I can access those things.

With a car, I would be able to:

Access education and work opportunities: I would finally be able to attend school! I have been trying to go to school for many years now, and this would help ensure I could show up to my classes consistently. My current work centers around me being able to transport a large amount of items to faraway locations to sell my artwork, and many more opportunities would open up for me! This would empower me to build a much brighter future for myself.

Be more self-sufficient: Having a car means I could attend appointments I need to get to. I could finally run errands, such as laundry that has been backed up since October.

Making social connections: I currently feel very isolated with my lifestyle. I could spend time with friends, visit my closest friends (many of whom are farther away or disabled themselves so they cannot come to me), and engage in events that are important to me.

Improve my health: Getting to medical appointments, specialists that are farther away, therapy sessions, and places I can go to exercise is essential to me bettering my life. This would reduce so much stress for me, and help me manage my health more effectively.

Help give me financial stability: As mentioned, this would help open school and work opportunities. It is also important to highlight that many of my current supports are in danger of being taken away, including the biggest source of my income, social security.

Help me with housing instability: As of right now, my housing is very up in the air due to the fear of social programs being taken away. It is quite possible for me to lose my Social Security due to policy changes. The program that helps pay for my apartment is run through a state-funded program that is frequently on the verge of not having enough funding. Having a vehicle would help assure I had a way to take my essential items to a safe place.

Help me contribute to the community: Mutual aid is super important to me, and I want to be able to help others more with things such as emergency moving/relocation.

Finally get top surgery! I am finally at a point of my life where I can access top surgery, but I need more stability in my life before I can do that.

This request comes from deep appreciation, and a genuine need. Donating to this fundraiser would have a profound and life-changing impact on me. Every little bit counts, and your support would make an immediate, tangible difference in my daily life and long-term goals.

If you are able to help, I would be incredibly grateful. Whether it’s a small contribution or simply sharing this with others who may be able to help, your support means the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Listed below is a breakdown of the funds I'm requesting, and a little more about me.

--Breakdown of the funds I’m requesting:--

$4000 - Ideal budget for a used car that meets my accessibility standards, like fitting my wheelchair, and work things.

$1000 - Any possible repairs/budget cushion in case I need to go higher.

$1000 - Car insurance for at least 6 months, to help with the transition to working more.

Any extra funds will go towards my savings! As mentioned, a lot of my protections are in jeopardy at the moment, and my housing is on thin ice. Any extra money will go towards me creating a safety net for myself.

--About Me--

Many of you reading this might not know me, so allow me to share some information on who is asking for your donation!

I work as a freelance artist, but much of my time goes to helping the community. I participate in activism, run multiple support groups for queer young adults, and help share resources to local community members. I advocate for social change and transformation, with a specialty in disability rights, autism awareness, the queer community, education, the importance of communication, and against injustices such as racism and gender discrimination. I’m currently in the process of training to become a peer support counselor so that I can use those resources to teach marginalized groups self-advocacy.

I also run market events that allow young artists a free opportunity to sell and share their art. Many artists have to spend money we do not have to sell our art, so I wanted to help create more free opportunities.

Rapid-fire fun facts about me: I own a disabled cat named Pippin, she is the best. I am from the southeast USA, but moved to the PNW to access community and opportunities I would have never gotten otherwise. I make music, DJ, and occasionally stream casual video games. My biggest goal is to use my art to create comics, animations and eventually a film about the social changes I care about a lot.