Hey, everyone!

My name is Maliyah. If I haven't had the chance to meet you already, then it's great to meet you now :)

Five years ago, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life. I made the decision to put myself first, and transition to become the person that I always knew I was. 

I've lost a lot of things along the way. Friends... relationships... my sense of safety... a lot; but where I've lost some things, I've found others. I've found REAL friends... solidarity within a larger community... compassion, and bravery. It hasn't been all bad. I've learned to accept and love myself for exactly who I am, and I'm ready to continue moving forward with my life.

I recently had a consultation with my chosen surgical team, whom I carefully selected based on their experience and minimalist approach. I am writing today to help raise money for the gender affirming surgeries that I need to help me feel truly at home in my own skin.

Transgender people are at constant risk of violence for simply being who we are. We face discrimination in the work place... the potential loss of our families and friends... and violence in the streets from people who don't understand us. 

As a black transgender woman, I face all of these things in addition to the hardships of existing as a racial minority. I am sure that I don't need to educate you all on the increased threat of violence that black trans women face in society. 350 transgender people were killed in 2020 alone; each of them representing a life that was cut tragically short by hatred. The vast majority of those names are of black trans women. 

Given the gravity of the challenges that stand in front of me, I am hoping to complete these medical procedures as soon as I can - for my own safety.

I am so thankful for the family and friends that stuck by my side when I first came out, and for the new friends that I've made on the journey so far. Their love and compassion have given me the strength I needed to keep going. As I prepare to embark on a beautiful new chapter of my life, please know that I am eternally grateful for every contribution.

With Light and Love,

Lili <3