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Hi, I’m Michelle Leard — a transgender woman, graphic designer, community advocate, stepmom, and proud New Brunswicker from Moncton.
Since 2013, I’ve worked hard to make life better for transgender people in my province and beyond. I’ve led support groups, fought to get gender-affirming surgeries covered by healthcare, helped create a health network for doctors treating trans patients, and stood on the front lines of rallies and reforms. You can Google my name — the work is out there.
But right now, I’m facing the hardest, most humbling chapter of my life.
Despite years of helping others, I’m struggling to survive. I can’t find consistent work as a graphic designer. My car — which I need for potential gigs and basic errands — is uninsured and facing repossession. My driver’s license is expired. Rent is behind. My partner, my stepson, and I are experiencing food insecurity. And just today, both power and internet — my literal lifelines for job searching and freelance work — received final shut-off notices.
I’m trying so hard to stay hopeful. But it’s getting harder to hold on.
If I’ve ever helped you, if you’ve ever seen me advocate for someone who needed a voice, or if you simply believe in giving back to someone who has spent her life doing exactly that — I’m asking, humbly and from the heart, for your support.
What your help would go toward:
Preventing power and internet shut-off
Getting car re-insured for work, Drivers license renewed,
Keeping a roof over our heads
Groceries for our family
Paying fees to renew my license and insure my car
Covering basic expenses while I secure work, internet, power ... both are at risk of being lost
This is deeply humbling to write. I’m used to being the one who shows up. But I’ve reached a point where I can’t do this alone.
If you can give — thank you with all my heart.
If you can share — please do.
If you’re just reading this — thank you for seeing me.
Want to know more about the work I’ve done?
Here are some links to past projects and press features:
With love, grit, and gratitude,
Michelle Leard
https://globalnews.ca/news/2739937/gender-confirming-surgeries-made-insured-service-for-new-brunswickers/
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