Hi friends!

As many of you know, I've been out and proud as a transgender woman for the past 6 years. In that time I've been doing some awesome stuff, studying on 3 continents, becoming a Fulbright scholar, and pursuing my dream of obtaining a doctorate in global ecosystem conservation while contributing my expertise to reef restoration projects in Australia. I'm rich in experiences and friendships, and I cherish all the wonderful things I've been blessed to be able to do.

What I'm not rich in is money. PhD students are paid very little, and while I make enough to get by (partially due to my preference for very low rent apartments and my love of cooking), it has made some medical interventions that are important to my transition prohibitively expensive. If I want to finish my transition, I have to ask for help, which doesn't come naturally to me.

But I'm trying! So this is my shot in the dark, and I'm hoping that some of you who've led more financially successful lives than me can chip in a bit to help me out. I'm really grateful and incredibly lucky to have the friends and community I have, and I'm hopeful that with your help I can take this next step in my transition.