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 been interviewed several times by the media (Lawrence Time, New York Times, Kansas City Star, Kansas Public Radio, and the University Daily Kansan), I've appealed my case as far as possible through KU HR, I've helped create a campus organization to oppose SB244 at KU, and I've filed both state and federal 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 reported 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 well over $200,000.

So, given the risks that I face, I created this campaign to protect myself from the stalking, discrimination, and other consequences I face. My most immediate goal is to raise enough money to retain a lawyer in the event that a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against KU can move forward. In order to ensure my ability to retain a lawyer, my goal is to raise $6000, which will be held in a separate legal fund. After a very successful benefit show here in Lawrence on August 24, as well as the generous donations received through this campaign since then, I still need to raise another $1600.

As for my day-to-day life, I'm currently on a Family Medical Leave Act absence from KU from September 21 through November 4 for mental health reasons, due to the overwhelming stress and anxiety I've felt since July affecting my ability to do my job. Given that I've exhausted all of my vacation and sick time, I'll be receiving partial checks on October 21, November 4, and November 18. Thus, rather than relying on a full net income of roughly $3210 from those three checks, I'll be paid around $1120 instead, leaving me $2090 short for paying my October and November bills.

This will be a long road for me through uncertain territory, but, with your support, you will help see me through this difficult time in my life. 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