Hi there, all!

My name is Charlie, and I am a 23-year-old graduate student living in the Bay Area. I am in my first year at the Pacific School of Religion as a candidate in their Master of Divinity program, and I am absolutely loving it! I am part of a cohort that is entirely made up of transgender seminarians - it is one of the only ones in the country. I and my cohorts are all studying congregational ministry in the hopes of getting ordained and serving in our own ministries one day, becoming a part of the small (but growing!) community of trans pastors, priests, and faith leaders. I am a first-generation college student and am the first in my family to go to graduate school.

Recently, I came into some serious health issues. My doctors informed me that my nerves are falsely signaling to the pain receptors in my spine and are damaging my muscle tissues. X-Rays showed immense inflammation along my spine, shoulders, and abdomen, as well as damaged cartilage in my knees and ankles. This has resulted in immense fatigue, pain flare-ups that affect my entire body, and the loss of the ability to stand or walk for long periods of time. These occasional flare-ups accelerated within the span of a month. I spend many days in immense pain and spend the days in between resting to recover from the flare-ups. I have very quickly learned that being sick is a full-time job.

As a result, I had to take a step back from work so that I could attend medical appointments, undergo experimental treatments, and go to the hospital for tests. I am one month into medical leave, and I am still no closer to having answers. This health plummet comes on top of my already-present neurological disabilities and physical disabilities.

This has taken an understandable hit on my finances. I am currently worried about my ability to continue going to seminary school in the light of medical expenses, living expenses, and the steep price of tuition. This program has been my dream. I struggled for two years to find a school that would educate me as a trans, queer man. The Pacific School of Religion is a revolutionary institution that has been radically changing the way seminarians are educated for almost 200 years. Any money you donate will go towards tuition, medical, or living expenses that will allow me to continue attending seminary while I am unable to work. I have been a lucky recipient of the Dean's scholarship for my academic ability and community service.

All I want to do is live out my divine calling and serve people in ministry. I want to use my degree to practice and preach liberation theology and to use the teachings of Jesus to uplift the desolate and help people practice radical love in their community. I actively advocate for community care, disability justice, and queer liberation. As a follower of Jesus, I feel that I am called to serve. This degree would prepare me to serve my community and engage with my calling.

Thank you for your donations. May the Divine bless you.