Help Kai Grant Take Parental Leave!

Hello all, my name is Kai Grant (they/them). I am a trans non-binary person living in Kingston, ON. My partner Bek and I are expecting our first child near the end of July. It is surreal, we are over-joyed, and it kind of feels like a miracle as two queer folks. I am asking for support so that I can take time off when our baby arrives.

 

Bek is carrying our little one. She will be finishing up her teaching job come the end of June. Bek will be receiving maternity leave pay, but it doesn't add up to much.

 

I have been self-employed for my entire adult life and am currently a mental health counsellor of 4 years. Unfortunately, I've never quite earned enough to pay into EI and therefore cannot apply for parental leave. I would like to take time off work to support Bek in the postpartum period and in giving this kiddo the best start we can.

 

It is deeply important to both Bek and me to honour the first 40 days after birth. I want to be available to Bek and baby 24/7 so that they can focus on rest, healing, and bonding. I want to go slowly and savour this massive transition of us becoming parents. It feels deeply important to me.

 

It’s hard for me to ask for support; I am challenging myself to reach out to my community. I am asking $8000 to cover all our  expenses plus a little extra for baby in case there are any unexpected or emergency costs. I’ve also added a little more to cover fees that will be taken off from the site. If you are able to donate or share this request, I would be forever grateful.

 

Deep gratitude to you for your generosity. You are helping a queer family start off right. All of our love <3