Support Iggy Strickland's Journey to Stability

Help Iggy Get Back on Their Feet

Hey y’all, I’m Iggy Strickland—a Black, White, and Native American trans non-binary (she/they) drag artist and full-time interdisciplinary student at CUNY BA. I’ve spent my entire life working hard to create something meaningful, juggling school, performance, and survival while navigating a chronic joint disorder that makes working—especially in winter—really difficult. Despite doing everything I can, I’ve hit a point where I genuinely need help to keep going.

I’m someone who will always push through, find another hustle, and figure things out, but right now, I am stretched beyond my limits. This fundraiser isn’t about pausing my efforts—it’s about giving me the stability to keep going.

What I’m Up Against:

• Rent & Bills: January and February rent ($900/month) and essential bills (~$175/month).

• Medical Expenses: A hospital bill of $566.62 while trying to navigate insurance.

• Job Hunt & Financial Barriers: I’ve been actively applying for work for months with a strong resume, but between my school schedule, disability, degree status, and just… the reality of the job market, I keep hitting walls.

• Food Insecurity: I lost my food stamps (~$300/month) six months ago, and it has been a struggle to eat enough. My body is not built for skipping meals, especially in winter, and it’s been catching up to me.

• Basic Necessities: I need gender-affirming and winter-appropriate clothing—right now, I’m layering up whatever I have because I don’t own enough warm clothes. My joint disorder and muscle mass loss from estrogen make the cold even harder on me, and I’ve been sick way too often.

• Drag Supplies: My art is a critical part of my work, but I cannot afford new materials, impacting my ability to perform and make income through my craft.

Compounding Barriers:

Over the past year, I have been dealing with:

• Discrimination in hiring and financial aid systems.

• School funding errors and aid that is too low to meet basic needs.

• Social harassment from an ex that caused my PTSD and depression to spiral, cutting me off from my usual networks and opportunities.

Asking for money without a drag show, gig, or timestamped work attached to it is deeply embarrassing, but I have reached a point where I have no other choice. I have fought for everything I have, and I refuse to let these circumstances break me.

Ways to Help:

If you can’t donate money, I’d love donations of clothing, drag items, or even old jewelry and craft supplies. I’m an artist and a designer-in-the-making, so even things you might be getting rid of could be put to good use! If you’re unsure, just send me a pic—I’ll coordinate everything myself so it’s zero hassle for you.

• DM me on Instagram: @etherealsacrilege

• Sizes:

• Height: 6’0, slim build

• Shirt/Dress size: Medium/Large

• Pants: 32x34

• Shoe size: 11–11.5 (Men’s) / 12–12.5 (Women’s)

If you know resources or places that actually accommodate trans folks and taller/slim builds, that’s just as helpful!

Why This Fundraiser Matters

I know there are so many important causes and people struggling in this world, and I don’t take asking for help lightly. The truth is, I’ve spent months exhausting every possible option—filing appeals, applying for aid, meeting with ACCESS VR and TAP, and constantly job hunting. But these things take time, and right now, I just need help to make it through.

I’m painfully aware that I’m not the only person in need, and there are folks with struggles far beyond mine. That said, survival isn’t a competition—I’m not asking because I think my situation is the worst, I’m asking because I’ve run out of options. This support would help me catch up on rent, afford food, and focus on building something sustainable instead of drowning in financial stress.

Even a small contribution makes a huge difference. If you can’t donate, sharing helps too. However you support, just know I appreciate it more than I can ever express.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and being here. It truly means the world to me.

Goal: $3,000