Help me get one step closer to legally becoming Connor

For those of you who know me, you are probably familiar with my journey. For those of you who don't, I am trans and have been transitioning since 2018. Luckily, my insurance has covered most, if not all, of my medical transition, and that is not something I have taken for granted. The one thing that I have not been able to afford is legally changing my name. For the past nearly 7 years, I've been getting by with discreetly using my legal name when needed for official documents, school documents, and any other legal paperwork, but I can't keep doing this forever, and with the uncertainty of what the next 4 years and beyond will bring, I need to get this done.

Being a full-time student and part-time employee with multiple bills to pay, I just don't have the means necessary to pay for all of the legal fees. With that being said, for my Birthday this year, I'm asking for donations that I will put into a savings account for a name change. I know times are hard, so please do not feel bad if you're unable to give, but if you are able and feel inclined to help, it would mean the absolute world to me. Even if it's just $1, that gets me one step closer.

Next year, I will be graduating (for the first time in my entire life), and all I want is a diploma with my real name on it. I want to graduate as Connor. When I become licensed as a massage therapist, I want to be licensed as Connor. I don't want a stranger's name plastered on my wall.

Honestly, I've been back and forth on posting this because I've always been someone who tries to be fiercely independent, but realistically, at this moment in time, it is not something I can afford on my own.

A quick breakdown of where the money will be going:

Filing fee: $331

Publication fee*: $75

* This is the fee that will cover having my name change published in the Peoria Journal Star for 3 weeks. This may be able to be waived under my specific circumstances. If so, the remainder of the funds collected will be donated to Trans Lifeline , an organization that provides lifesaving services to trans individuals.

Thank you for taking the time to read this if you've gotten this far. Much love to you all ❤️