Hello, everyone, my name is Siobhán, a 41-year-old trans woman who works as a custodian at the University of Kansas (KU). I'm a Lawrence queer community organizer who has been referred to as “The Woman with the Power in Her Bob,” a reference to my confidence and attitude stemming from the short bob hairstyle I often wear. In addition to serving on the board of a local queer advocacy organization, I also support the queer social and nightlife scenes through storytelling, karaoke, pool tournaments, bowling, and drag performance. My life radically changed, though, on July 10, when I received a shocking email from KU Human Resources. It said that I was reported for using the "wrong" restroom on June 22. Recently, Kansas decided that trans people are banned from using multi-stalled restrooms that match their gender identity. As a result, KU is threatening disciplinary action, including firing me, as well as legal action, including fines and jail time, if I continue to use the correct restroom.

Yet, I have no intention of being intimidated by KU or the Kansas government, as I have since taken my story to the media, appealed KU HR's investigation into my case, helped create a campus organization to oppose SB244 at KU, hired a lawyer in the event of a lawsuit, and filed discrimination complaints against KU.

I understand what's at stake. To begin with, just for using the restroom, I could be fined, not to mention sued by the very person who reports me. I also stand to lose my job, my financial security, and all of the benefits I need to survive. I rely heavily on my insurance from this job, especially for all of my medications, including those for my HRT, and my insurance claims since October 2024 total to roughly $200,000. Finally, if I continue being stalked and get reported a third time, I could possibly be prosecuted and sentenced to up to six months in prison. In my case, this would mean being placed in a male population in accordance with the sex I was assigned at birth, where I would face the threat of harassment, violence, and forced detransitioning.

So, given the risks that I face, I created a fund to protect myself from the stalking, discrimination, and other consequences I face. I'm happy to announce that I managed to successfully raise enough to cover my expenses for the month of August (food, gas, bills, moving and storage expenses, a first month's rent and security deposit for a new living situation), with everything adding up to roughly $6500. However, for the remainder of 2026, my total financial responsibilities (food, gas, bills, rent, utilities) reach to upwards of $15,000. Also, legal battles will take me away from my job, draining my PTO and wages, and this showdown between KU and myself will be a very expensive process. However, with your generous support, you will help see me through an uncertain future. Even if you can't donate anything to this GoFundMe campaign, please spread it through your networks as much as possible. In the end, though, you can help most by supporting the cause of the dignity of trans people everywhere. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I will update you as all of this unfolds.

Photo Credits: Lex Kassman @lexdott and Peaty Romano @smile_for_peaty