meow meow meow and, real talk. It’s been two months and I’m almost to my goal .

 These days I try commit to living every day as a healthy, proud, and self-actualizing Queer Non-Binary Person of Color (QNBPOC). I’m coming to you now so that I can continue towards my dream and current journey with mental, physical and financial health. Help set myself up for success with a token of support. My hope is to reach beyond my starting goal (which meets the most urgent needs, listed below), so that I might be set up for success .

Please give, share, and read on…  

Rent ($2,250x3 raised rent)

 -For first, lasting security for more affordable housing 

($500/mo) 

-car insurance,electricity,water,bills,self care 

($250/mo)

-Uninsured mental health sessions and drs appts including treatments/medications

 ($100) 

-new glasses

 

 TOTAL: $9,100 . . . 

Please read my story below:

 The last two years have posed unique challenges for all of us. What was up, is now down; what was left is now right. The unexpected is the new expected. After a lot of thought and self-reflection I’ve come to the realization that I need to start thinking and asking for support from outside of my box. I have always known at my core that I am meant to be a healer. The past two years have provided me the opportunity to be a healer not only to myself but to my friends, family and community. It has also taught me alot about myself as well. 

Prior to the pandemic, I was working my way through my technical training in phlebotomy/EKG and medical assisting, while also taking online courses for nursing prerequisites. When the pandemic was declared I was just finishing my certifications and all of the required externship opportunities were immediately frozen. During this time, I was able to contribute to the fight against COVID and gain experience in the healthcare field, all while learning to advocate for myself as a person of color. I’m telling you this because this has been a lifelong struggle that when uncovered and confronted led to a mental health crisis. That mental health crisis, combined with the stress of physically showing up for myself and our community led to an 8-month H. pylori infection in my gut. This infection took a huge toll on my mental and physical health, and I am still recovering. On a more positive note, this led me to give up drinking and commit to making healthier choices. With positive health decisions and therapy I have been working toward self-love, self-pride and self-acceptance. Today, I commit to living every day as a healthy, proud, and self-actualizing Queer Non-Binary Person of Color (QNBPOC). 

On the financial front, the past two years have left me in debt and unable to afford climbing rent prices in my building. My rent has gone up $600 due to my Covid rental special lease ending in March. I’ve been living off of credit cards, food stamps and the support of my friends, family and community while taking as many gigs as I possibly can, and while trying to get my foot in the door of healthcare (which may seem easy but was made extremely difficult due to COVID 19 and hiring protocols). I have finally exhausted all of my financial resources. 

 I recently interviewed with SFAIDS Foundation and was given an opportunity to provide for myself and the community with a full-time job offer. The organization went through a restructuring after the 10-week hiring process, and my position was eliminated. This life experience has led me to reevaluate my current and future realities. I am now needing to make some decisions and my current finances are a roadblock to making those decisions. 

Rent is due and bills need to be paid. I’m coming to my community again with humility and gratitude for financial support.. This support will go directly to paying current and future rent knowing that I may possibly have to move for a more affordable housing option ASAP (this may require moving costs). 

I need to ensure that during this transitional time I continue to pay my bills on time. These include car insurance, utilities, mental healthcare as I navigate gender self-affirmation. I also need a new pair of glasses and I ultimately need to ensure my financial security while I’m pursuing my life goal of working in healthcare. As you’re all aware, this journey has been long, full of many challenges, turns and obstacles. I’m committed to life-long self-sustainability, and your support today will help me in ways you can’t imagine. I have struggled in life with advocating for myself, and this entire two year experience has been a spiritual self-advocacy journey for me. I am an advocate for the community, contributing as much as I can, and even showing up in ways I cannot sometimes. 

Over the last two years, I’ve been continuously reminded that when you self-advocate you can be an advocate for others. As a patient advocate, community advocate, and humble human being I’m coming to you for support. 

Please consider sharing and supporting!

Anything Helps and is greatly appreciated.

 “Have the best day ever, but if you can’t, don’t mess it up for somebody else” -Tabitha Brown 

 Love and Light to ALL Meow meow meow. 

Yours truly, Kahlil (They/Them/Black/Brown)