Hello friends old and new,

My name is staff Sergeant Landon Shimek. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and support me. I have served my country for 15 years in the army reserves. I take great pride and joy. In this fact I’m also a very proud trans man. While I do not believe that one fact about me should have any bearing on the other. Since 2016 the fact that I or any other service member am trans has been negatively affecting the trans community in general and me very specifically. When the first attempted “trans ban“ was announced during Trump‘s first term as president. I worried not only for myself, but for the effect this would have on our country. Thankfully, that first attempt was struck down in court but the anxiety and stress it put on me never left. Since then, I’ve noticed slowly progressing biased against my community in the military, which has since escalated and is now fast moving with the second trans ban. All the members of the LGBT community that this has affected have handled it in whatever ways work for them, and I don’t judge them for it, but for me personally though I am unwilling to give up my career and my service to this country without a fight, this means I didn’t accept voluntary separation. Nor have I or will I sign involuntary separation paperwork. I’m taking up this fight not just for me but for my country and my community. This determination means that my fight is going to take a lot of my personal time and energy. I already have a limited amount of energy due to these stresses put on me by the fight so far. I will continue, but can only do so with your help. In addition to my military service, I also work for the veterans administration full-time. I was affected by the layoffs that happened earlier this year. While I was eventually rehired that period of time cost me not only physical and mental distress, but financial as well. The struggle has also caused me to be diagnosed with PTSD. The symptoms of which have affected my work. Causing me to stress and using up all my sick time. That I would otherwise have at my disposal. Most recently, I was asked not to come to drill for the first time directly as a result of the trans ban. This means that I don’t have the resources to fight this battle the way it needs to be fought, but I’m still determined to fight it and so I come to you my friends. I realize everyone is struggling financially, but if enough people stand behind me, we can win against this tyrant and his administration. This is hard for me to admit, however, I feel it is necessary. After my paycheck every two weeks my funds are usually $30 or less after all my bills and rent are paid. I can't even afford groceries at a store. Like many folks, I've been eating mostly expired food from a food pantry. This is not sustainable. Please donate $5, 10 dollars, $100 any amount helps. I will not comply in advance. Thank you for your time and if you can’t afford to donate, you can still have an impact by sharing this campaign. Thank you so much for your support. I promise to keep you updated.

yours in gratitude,

Landon