✨ Hi everyone, beloved community and chosen family,

My name is Mirza (they/them). I am a nonbinary, trans, queer, and neurodivergent solo migrant from the SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African), and currently living in Chicago, U.S.

This year marks my 10th anniversary of moving to the U.S. - ten years of survival, growth, and building community from the ground up. To honor this milestone, I am investing deeper into my calling: becoming a clinical mental health counselor dedicated to serving queer, trans, migrant, and marginalized communities.

I have devoted much of my life here to creating free and accessible wellness and healing spaces for others. Over the years, I have offered community sound healing sessions, wellness workshops, and mental health support circles - often at no cost - to provide safe spaces for queer and trans folks, especially those from underrepresented and immigrant backgrounds.

Additionally, I have been teaching underprivileged queer students about cultural self-knowledge, creative expression, and self-empowerment. Supporting others in reconnecting with themselves and their heritage has been one of my greatest joys and purposes.

Now, as I work toward my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I am being called to deepen this work professionally and sustainably. However, as an immuno-compromised student with no family support, I face significant financial challenges. My financial aid does not cover the full cost of tuition, books, fees, healthcare, and living expenses. Studying full time and managing my health make it impossible to work additional jobs.

I am reaching out to my beautiful community for help so I can continue on this path and continue holding space for others.

How your support will help:

This fundraiser is not only about covering expenses - it is also a celebration of my 10-year journey in the U.S. and an invitation to walk with me into this next chapter of collective healing and care.

Your support - whether through a donation, sharing this page, or offering words of encouragement - means the world to me.

✨ Other ways to support:

Thank you for believing in me, for celebrating this milestone with me, and for helping me continue supporting and uplifting our communities.

With deep gratitude and love,

Mirza