*Update: we raised $26,000 so fast that I changed the goal to $260,000!*

HELLO FRIENDS!!! I quite literally have never been this excited for a project. This year, my life has changed in ways I can’t even fathom. I wake up every day to work my dream job, advocating for people and spreading truth. This community we’ve built is truly so special; which is what makes me so unbelievably honored to be writing this.

I’m turning 26 years old on August 19th, and I had an idea: what if we all chipped in with a goal of raising $26,000 toward a non-profit organization for my 26th birthday? If 2,600 people were willing to give $10, we’d be able to make it happen!

When I started researching which non-profit to pick, I knew I wanted to choose one that supports survivors of domestic or sexual violence. Given that so much of my platform has been built by advocating for survivors, it felt especially aligned. That’s when I thought of FreeFrom — a queer, BIPOC, survivor-led organization focusing on ending gender-based violence by building economic freedom and safety with survivors. FreeFrom gets cash into the hands of survivors, giving them the financial foundation they need to build a thriving life on their own terms. Immediately, I knew it was my first pick.

There’s no true way to thank you for the support you’ve given me, but I want to continue advocating for survivors verbally, physically, and financially. That’s why in honor of my 26th birthday, I’ve decided to donate the first $2,600 toward our goal.

I receive messages every day asking how people can support me, and where they can send contributions. I want to be very clear: right now, I’m not in need of funds. But there are so many INCREDIBLE organizations that are. If you want to support my work, donating directly to survivors is the way to go.

I can’t wait to hit this goal with all of you, and I can’t wait for more of these in the future. I’m blown away every day by your relentless support, your kind words, and your authenticity. Thank you for everything.

To learn more about FreeFrom, visit freefrom.org or follow them on Instagram.