Hi everyone, my name is Jazz. I’m a Mohawk trans woman living in Toronto, studying at UofT for a Master of Information. You might know me from one of the many bands I play in, or from running DIY shows in the city, from my days working in publishing, or just from around the neighbourhood. What you might not know, however, is that since separating from my long-term partner in June 2024 and leaving my career in February 2025, I’ve accumulated a debt that has been moved to a collections agency this past fall. I’ve been informed the collections agency is seeking the full $17,301.09, plus interest, “immediately.” Because of the immediacy and severity of this notice, I am starting this fundraiser to assure that I can pay off this debt and support any additional costs associated over the next few months.

Restarting my life has been expensive. The costs of moving multiple times, past work expenses, and supporting family emergency expenses through my undergraduate have piled up, and being on EI and OW hasn’t absolved me of paying these exorbitant credit card fees and interest that have accumulated over time. Despite my best efforts, this looming debt became unavoidable while I was unemployed over the past summer. I couldn’t make my near $600 monthly minimum credit card payments living support cheque to support cheque, and I drained my savings trying to keep up with my monthly bills. I’ve been thankful for the emergency support when I’ve asked before, and while this was enough to help me on occasion through the summer, things have since taken a turn for the worse this winter.

For transparency, my monthly costs are relatively covered for now—I receive a stipend every month in my fall and winter semesters to support my rent, transit, and grocery costs—but the cost of living is going to be scary without the stipend after this term. I have about $3,300 set aside from my fall and winter OSAP, but I don’t honestly believe saving my OSAP will be enough to continue making ends meet these next few months, especially if I’m required to pay the remainder of my year’s tuition with this money.

If you want to lend your support through other means, I have a benefit show planned for February 28 where I’ll be performing with all four of my bands in one afternoon. I would love to see you there. If you’re able to contribute with your own fundraiser or benefit drive, I’d really appreciate the additional support—even sharing goes a long way if you can’t spare the help. I’ll aim to update this fundraiser with totals from any external support given as soon as I can to keep you contributors updated.

Thank you so much, truly. I wish that things were different and I didn’t have to ask again for the support of my friends, family, and neighbours, but I truly feel I don’t have any other recourse. I know times are tough for everyone, and the world is unkind to all of us, but I hope to finally find my footing and be rid of this weight before the summer and to be a better help for folks when I can. <33