COMMUNAL SUPPORT 4: chadia & BASQUI

Hi, my name is chadia (they/them) and I am Burundian, queer, agender, neurodivergent, disabled multidisciplinary artist currently based in Tiohtià:ke. I'm creating this GOFUND to help me stay afloat as I try to do what I do best, and that's art.

I've been on my own for a veeeeeeerrrrrrrrrry long time. However, in 2020 after being ambushed by a 'family meeting', fearful for my LIFE, I made the decision to escape (thank you Frankie & Lily) and cut contact with my parents and their extended families. I'm the eldest of 5 and my siblings are the only ones I speak to, because they are MY HEART (Basquiat included).

And to explain my situation without harming myself, I've decided to share my final email to my parents before I blocked them.

So, if you wanna make a monthly donation, or one-time donation or share this it would be really helpful.

$2,500 is an estimate of my monthly expenses (Rent, Hydro, Internet, Phone, Therapy, Medication, Transportation, Food, Vet Bills, Pet necessities.)

Thank you to those who have supported throughout the 5 years I've been on my own. "The only ones you can trust is your blood, your family." was a constant thing growing up. And, to be able to experience that is not true has been lifesaving. Thank you so so so so so so much <3.

-chadia & basqui

(PHOTOS: ages 2 or 3-- a baby. And, the other 10-- also a baby.)

EMAIL:

Aug 18, 2020, 2:04 AM

Hi Mom and Dad,

I'm sending you this email because after the family meeting we had last week, you showed me that you don't treat me like your daughter. You treat me like a traitor, when all I want to do is help you. After your attack on my character, I've decided that I won't stay in touch with either of you. I've decided to leave both of you.

Dad, you manipulated, lied to, controlled, abused, and brainwashed me. I'm disappointed in you.

Mom, you manipulated, lied to, controlled, abused, and brainwashed me. I'm disappointed in you.

You are both narcissists.

I'm also pansexual. That means I love everyone. I'll marry anyone: man, woman, trans, nonbinary. It doesn't matter to me. I know you don't agree. So, I'm going to leave. I haven't told anyone, but I'm telling you.

You may not understand, and I don't care. I will always love you both.

But until you both apologize for lying, manipulating, abusing, and brainwashing me, I won't call or come see you.

God bless and forgive you both.