My name is Donovan (Donnie) Cianciotto. I live in Queens with my 18 year old cat, Archimedes. In 2023, I was the victim of a violent anti-LGBTQ attack that left me physically disabled and with PTSD and anxiety. I have chronic, severe back and nerve pain that doesn't allow me to stand up for longer than 5 minutes at a time, and won't allow me to walk for more than a minute at a time even when using a cane or rollator. Even sitting for an extended period of time is painful in my back, legs, hips, and right hand. I am unable to walk to the subway let alone take public transportation, and am housebound 98% of my time. I am seeing a pain management doctor and an orthopedist, and have gone to physical therapy, but nothing has helped including a recent steroid epidural. Last year I applied for Disability and was denied, and I am currently in the very slow process of appealing that initial denial. I have been unable to work for over a year, and cannot make ends meet. I am in a very bad place.

I am in constant danger of losing my home. I owe a great deal of money in back rent, and my landlady has run out of patience. I don't make enough money to pay my utility bills or cover necessities like toilet paper and trash bags. I can't afford cat food or cat litter for Archimedes. I'm terrified about being evicted and having to try to find a shelter to stay in, especially as a disabled, transgender man. I also know I would have to give up my cat, and that devastates me in a way I can't put into words. Living in poverty is an incredibly traumatic experience, and they make fighting for Disability as de-humanizing and difficult as possible. I have no idea what the future has in store for me. I can't sleep at night, and every day is full of worry, stress, humiliation, and fear.

I need financial assistance with:

Before the attack happened I was working as an actor and performer, and as an usher at an off-Broadway theater. As an activist and advocate, I have always tried to make the world a better, safer place for people. I have worked as an EMT, and am currently certified in Peer Services. I create space for folks in the LGTBQIA+ community as often as I can, which is unfortunately a lot less often now that I am barely ambulatory. I want my life back so I can continue doing what I'm passionate about, and so I can pay all the help I've gotten forward.

I know I have been asking for help for a long time now as I navigate pain, unemployment, and disability. I know that people in my community are probably tired of hearing it. I'm falling through the cracks in our social safety nets, and a few short breaths away from being completely destitute. The only thing I have is a roof over my head, and I'm in danger of losing that more and more with each passing day.

If you are able to help at all, I can't begin to tell you how grateful I would be. I know firsthand that the world is a hard place for so many of us, and I would never take any of your assistance for granted. Every donation helps. I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't absolutely desperate. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and for your support.