I’m a disabled transgender artist in Durham. About 18 months ago, my health began to rapidly decline. I experienced a retinal detachment that required surgery, worsening back pain flares, increasing panic attacks, and severe burnout. I’ve been navigating full-time medical care in search of answers. I’ve received multiple diagnoses, including Autism, POTS, and hypermobility. I am still dealing with undiagnosed issues leaving me fatigued, housebound, and intermittently bedbound.

During this time, I also supported my girlfriend through her gender transition and recovery from surgery, during which we faced housing discrimination from our landlord and, following legal advice, we were forced to move.

On top of all of that, a cop showed up at my door and I was served with a debt collection lawsuit from American Express that I had accrued while becoming disabled. I’ve done everything I can to manage the situation—requesting extensions and seeking pro bono legal help—but I have been unable to secure representation.

I am now facing an urgent deadline: a court date on May 14.

I am raising funds to secure legal help to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy to stop the case and stabilize my situation.

These funds will go directly toward attorney fees, filing costs, and required legal expenses.

Resolving this legal crisis would allow me to reduce overwhelming stress and focus on my health and survival.

If you’re able to donate, share, or signal boost this, it would make a real difference. Time is critical.

Thank you for taking the time to read and for supporting someone trying to navigate survival, disability, and systemic barriers all at once.