Hi, my name is Kadir Rivers. I am a 44-year-old Black trans man living in Philadelphia, PA. I’ve been transitioning for most of my adult life and have experienced a great deal of race and gender-based discrimination and violence. This, along with other unresolved trauma, led me into active addiction for much of my life. As a result, I missed out on the experience of growth and belonging that comes with having a healthy queer community, and I have suffered deeply as a result.

In June of 2024, I suffered an overdose on fentanyl after ingesting laced drugs. I was unresponsive when I arrived at the ER, and after two attempts, doctors were finally able to resuscitate and stabilize me. That moment was a turning point in my life. For the last two years, I’ve been working towards sobriety and regaining my mental health. I am currently housed at an all-transgender treatment facility in Philadelphia, where I receive clinical management, weekly therapy, and attend outside support groups. I am happy to say that I have a little over a year sober and have regained my mental health and self-worth.

While I receive SSI, I do not receive the full amount and am on a fixed income that is barely enough to pay my phone bill, despite being disabled and recovering from years of gender-based trauma. My goals are to achieve independent, sustainable living, go to college, return to employment—specifically by starting a cleaning business—and continue to build chosen family and sober support. As I look to the future, I am hopeful that I can do this, but I will require some assistance from my extended community. Every share and donation counts toward my path forward. Thank you for your consideration and support.