I’m an Afro-Indigenous femme of two-spirit nature from Mesoamerican origins, currently navigating housing fraud and access to medical treatment. I don’t have the support of my extended family as I have been disowned because of my gender identity. My last lifeline is the grace of my chosen family, community aid, the kindness of strangers, and sporadic freelance work when my body allows. Unfortunately, I have struggled to meet my goal and thus am here to request help to expand my reach.

I have been limited in my capacity to sustain myself as I suffer from chronic neuropathic pain. Currently on medical leave, which makes access to work opportunities limited. I have faith that in these troubling times we can collectively humanize each other’s experience, which often capitalism robs from us. I am also planting seeds of liberation as your donations will allow me to sustain myself, continue my medical treatment, and continue my education without having to make impossible choices like food insecurity and other survival expenses that threaten my ability to access a dignifying experience in society.

I have learned that requesting support is not an indicator of bad character. I used to feel shame and disappointment in myself to be labeled as a “beggar”—an unnecessarily negative connotation, for we all are at the grace of unforeseen circumstances. I am not what is happening to me. I always found a way to independently work around my limitations, but it is important to remind ourselves that no person is an island and that it is healing to receive with gratitude and that it is ok to not be ok.

In the positive news department, I am currently in a sustainability apprenticeship and soon I’ll be returning to the workforce in the coming months, which is accommodating for my medical condition. But until then, I’m at the mercy of your kindness, so kindly help me by sharing my fundraiser or donating at your capacity. All big or small helps. We are community investments, and this is something I want to commit to paying forward when my cup is full because my heart wants to also give with gratitude.

Thank you in advance and may my goddess Ixchel bless your kindness.

With love and light,

Marie of the Pink Moon Midnight Blue Light