Help an Indigenous Transfemme Access Gender Care

Hi y’all, I'm Chiku (chee-koo)

Firstly thanks for reading this. This task is daunting. As I write this, I am buzzing with excitement (and worry) concerning the vulnerability that comes with asking for support. As a generationally poor indigenous trans person, I am well acquainted with the scrutiny that can accompany being exposed in need. In turn, I also know firsthand the grace that can be provided by a community that is determined to care for one another.

Transition, for me, has been a lifeline. In the last few years, I have come to see my desire to self-actualize in this way as a sign of my continued determination to exist in this world; evidence that I still have the fight in me to engage with this transphobic society and expand the realm of safety for myself and people like me. The love I have received throughout my life has buoyed my spirit in this culture that is set on conforming each of us to fit a cis heteronormative narrative.

That being said, I am hoping to go further by raising funds to continue pursuing gender affirming care and procedures. Many of these necessary procedures are determined to be simply cosmetic thus rendering them uncovered by insurance. As unjust as that may seem, it is the reality in which we live (especially where I live down here in the South).

I am asking for an extension of the tremendous care and generosity that I’ve seen in our community. We are rich in love and hope for expansive joy, this I have come to know. I am grateful for any donation, large or small, and every effort to reach networks that have the resources to help me reach my goal. Thank you for believing in a world that allows for the existence of genuine self. We have all we need. Si yu’os ma’ase <33

With love,

Chiku