My name is Erika and I am a black trans woman who has recently begun Hormone Replacement Therapy and I am raising funds to begin my transition. For the past three years, I have endured homelessness, abuse, and violence. These funds will ensure that I have safe and secure housing while I begin my transition.  I have been experiencing homelessness for the past three years as well as having endured transphobic violence and discrimination in mental hospitals. 2 years ago I was attacked by a family member who destroyed all of my personal belongings and stole all of my clothing, shoes, and CDs which are of extreme importance to me since I am a DJ. My Yamaha keyboard was destroyed as well as my collection of vinyl records. I was left with nothing to do but pack the rest of my belongings in a suitcase and fled to a mental hospital. I was hospitalized for 2 weeks and was discharged to an all men's shelter.  This was an all-male facility and I was tremendously uncomfortable in this place. I eventually left the facility to go to a mental hospital where I was later discharged to another homeless shelter where I  was assigned to live with women. This living situation wasn't much better. I was subject to transphobic violence and bullying from staff and residents. Once the COVID-19 pandemic began, things at the shelter took a turn for the worse. I soon began crowdfunding to leave the shelter and escape homelessness once and for all. I was successful and was able to raise enough funds to pay rent where I'm currently living. I feel that I am finally in a safe space away from my abusers to begin my transition and become the woman I truly am. Your donation would be going towards electrolysis, laser hair removal, gender-affirming surgeries, as well as living expenses. I hope you know just how far your donation will be going. I appreciate you for reading my campaign and hope you can help. In the meantime, you can support me by following my Instagram @djerikakayne as well as my Twitter at @DjErikaKayne. I'm in need of funds for living essentials and rent. You can send funds to my PayPal, cashapp and venmo. Venmo: @misserikakayne Cashapp: $misserikakayne PayPal: [email redacted] Thank You, Erika Kayne