I am a Black, transgender, non-binary graduate student who has been working while pursuing a School Psychology doctorate. I did everything I could to survive in a system that was never built for people like me—working while in graduate school, navigating grief, trauma, and systemic barriers that privileged students are often protected from.

Despite having the support of my advisor, I was recently dismissed from my program at the end of the semester due to struggles with deadlines. Those struggles were not about ability or commitment—they were about survival. Unlike students with financial safety nets, I had to work while in school just to stay housed and alive. That reality came at a cost.

With my dismissal came the sudden loss of my primary income. As a result, I am now two months behind on rent, and I am facing the very real possibility of housing instability.

My monthly rent is $1,600, and if I can raise even December’s rent, it would give me critical breathing room while I figure out next steps for employment and recovery after this loss.

This moment comes on the heels of many personal losses—grief, instability, and the emotional weight of watching years of work and passion unravel so suddenly. At the same time, I must continue paying for my HRT medications, which are essential, life-saving healthcare. Living in the Deep South as a Black transgender person already means navigating hostility, discrimination, and fear; losing stability makes that reality even more dangerous.

I am not asking for luxury.

I am asking for time, safety, and stability.

Your support—whether through donating, sharing, or simply witnessing my story—means more than words can express. Every contribution goes directly toward rent, basic necessities, and essential medication so I can stay housed and begin rebuilding my life.

If you’ve ever believed that education should not punish the poor, that survival should not be a barrier to success, or that trans lives deserve safety and care—this is a moment to act.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. Thank you for helping me survive this chapter so I can write the next one.

With deep gratitude,

Trae