Help Ariesela Heal & Regain Stability After Car Crash

Hi, my name is Ariesela and I’m a 25-year-old trans woman born and raised in Miami. I’m a full-time performer, show producer, and activist for the trans community with a focus on creating spaces and stable platforms for trans artists in my community - Doll LinkUp and Transtasy: the premiere trans-centered drag shows and open stages in Miami and Wilton Manors.

On Sunday, July 27th, 2025, I was involved in my first major car accident. It was a head-on collision on I-95 where my car’s hood ended up wedged into the bottom of another car due to the speed at the time of the impact. To be vulnerable and transparent: It was such a terrifyingly quick experience that has truly traumatized me, and the scene of it replays in my head since. One second I was driving to work, and the next I was bleeding and lodged with my knees in my chest and face. Car accidents are just that — accidents, but these mistakes can cost the lives of others. I’m grateful to confirm no one else involved in this accident faced any physical harm or stated experiencing any injuries, walking away with just minor dents to their vehicle. My car is totaled; however, that is ultimately replaceable, but the lives of the people involved aren’t, and I am ultimately blessed we were all able to walk away from this.

I think we are all aware of the legislation people like me in this country are facing under the current administration, as well as how disproportionate the achievement gap is between trans and cis Americans, especially for people of color. I have managed to work full-time in the show industry, producing events that uplift and support people with similar struggles and living experiences as I. I’ve never used my identity as an excuse, and in fact have proven so much of the ability of people like me within my young career thus far. It’s been a triumphant journey with deep peaks and valleys to try to gain independence in a world that seems systematically against you. Nevertheless, I have managed to slowly build stability and get off the street, hold down venue residencies, and eventually get my own car.

It was a used car in need of lots of repair, but it was mine, and I was proud of it. I relied on this car to get me to work safely and cost-efficiently. Without it, my ability to transport myself reliably to work is jeopardized in an economy where every tip dollar matters. That very night of the accident, I still showed up to work relying solely on the adrenaline of the situation to ignore my injuries and smiling through the mental processing of what I just endured because I needed the money — and that is the reality of being a working QTPOC creative in America.

Currently, I am healing from physical injuries but do not have the auto insurance plan to be viewed by medical professionals. If you’re unaware: even with health insurance, you are responsible for all costs to be treated by a hospital for car accident-related injuries without a full coverage auto insurance plan. I accumulated quite a few tickets and had to take out a loan of $750 to gain representation in court and will most likely be expected to pay more in court, consolidation, and other legal fees. I am a fighter, but I need my body in good health to work. My availability to opportunities is now limited by transportation logistics, and I obviously do not want to land in a male's prison for not paying off court fees. I don’t have biological family to turn to and ask for help, or a home to go back to, all I have is myself and the chosen family I’ve made along the way. I am an independent hard worker, and I am as resilient as can be, but my community has made me realize it’s okay for me to ask for help this time.

Now without a vehicle, $750 in debt, and in recovery without the ability to view my injuries: my community has come to my side as a shining light in this darkness. I’ve been urged to share publicly about the accident and share digital support options such as Cash App, Venmo, and now the creation of this GoFundMe to raise funds. Any and all funds received will go towards covering legal fees, court fees, and medical expenses, with anything left over going towards a savings for a new vehicle as I hustle to invest in after I recover. Even if you aren’t able to support me financially: any gestures of love such as a simple reshare, referral to a job opportunity, attendance at a benefit show, a sweet DM, a wholesome meme, ANYTHING is seen and appreciated wholeheartedly on my part. I can’t thank everyone enough who has been here for me and checked in on me ❤️‍.

Other support options:

CashApp - $ariesela

Venmo - @ariesela

Benefit Show — Wednesday, August 20th at Georgie’s Alibi at 9:30 PM

Friday, September 9th at Villain Theater at 8 PM.