Housing, Food, and Medical Bills

Hello, my name is Zion/Ziya. I am a black trans/non-binary individual studying for my degree in Social Policy and Global Health with a minor in Gender & Sexuality studies, also pursuing the Civic Engagement Certificate at Northwestern University. I am unemployed and not enrolled in classes currently as I am on a leave of absence for personal reasons. I am a student trying to make a life in a world that feels I do not belong. My mom and sister kicked me out of my Florida home on July 4, 2020 because I’ve recently came out as transgender/non-binary. I can no longer live in fear and in the shadows. I must speak my truth and be my authentic self in the fullest. I have been having Gender Dysphoria about my body since high school but I’ve always felt like I was born different and was not like my male peers. I do not like asking people for help but I’m in a real financial, mental, and emotional battle right now. I was sleeping on my trans mother’s couch since 7/20/20 but am no longer am staying with her as she also kicked me out of her house without any forewarnings whatsoever. This forced me back to sleeping and living out of my car.  Since then I have moved out of Florida and have been back in Evanston since September 2020. I am currently living in Evanston, IL and am staying in an off-campus apartment with 5 roommates. This living situation has also been difficult to be in as there are so many people in such a small apartment. This is something that I decided to be apart of at the last minute of transitioning from Florida to Illinois. I did not have many options for a place, as I started looking for a home very late and thought that I would be fine with living with people I knew. Unfortunately, this has not been the case and my current living situation has once again become challenging and overwhelmingly stressful to live in. I’m raising money for sustainable living conditions (a new apartment, rent, utility bills), food (I have various food allergies), and medical costs for therapy and co-pays.


Thank God for all who played a huge part in helping me get back to Evanston and donating. I’m so happy for all of the love and support from the community! I’ve applied for unemployment and have been applying to jobs but unfortunately nothing yet. I am remaining positive and hopeful.  Anything helps and I’d appreciate if you can just share widely. Cash App is $Zonce9 , Venmo @Zion-Sylvester , PayPal.me/zionsylvester . Thank you in advance! Love, light, and happiness to you all!