Hi everyone, it’s me — Ávila, though most of you know me as Álonza Sol Sade. I’m a drag and burlesque performer, and a pole and go go dancer.

This isn’t an easy post for me to write. I recently found out my car is on its last legs and could give out any day now. I’m hoping to put together enough to get another one, or honestly, even just get some leads on a reliable used car.

in Plainfield, about an hour or more outside Chicago, and my car is genuinely how I hold my whole life together. It gets me to and from gigs safely — it’s part of why I don’t drink, since I know I’ve got that long drive home. It’s also how I bring my own stage pole to shows, packing it in and making that drive so a venue doesn’t have to worry about it. And it’s how I show up for my people — giving rides to friends, family, and fellow performers, whether it’s to a gig, back home, or to a day job. My car has never just been transportation. It’s my livelihood and it’s how I take care of the people I love.

I know how many of you are already being asked for support right now, and I don’t take that lightly. Asking for help doesn’t come naturally to me — I’ve always prided myself on being independent, on working hard and figuring it out. But I want to be honest with you: I need help this time.

I’ve always believed community is something you pour into, not just take from — it’s why I’ve never thought twice about giving someone a ride or showing up when someone needs me. If you’re able to help me now, please know I’ll keep carrying that forward, the same way I always have.

So this is here if it’s something you’re able to do — genuinely no pressure, and no amount is too small if you can. If not, that’s completely okay too, and if you happen to know of any good used car leads, I’d love to hear them. Just being seen by this community, whether or not you’re able to give, means more than I can say.

Thank you for however you show up for me. Your kindness stays with me.