Hi everyone, I'm Erin, an early 40s transgender woman living in the middle of Texas. I moved down here nearly 15 years ago, and while most of my experiences have been great, and the friends I've made have been lifelong, I realize deeply how much I need to leave. There are a few reasons:

-As you may know, Texas has been attempting to pass some of the most anti-trans laws in the nation, especially ones that attack trans youth. The political climate here has taken a toll on my mental health it's clear the bombardment will not cease. Moving will help me be closer to my family (most of who are supportive) and friends in the Midwest. I'll be moving to Illinois, to a friendlier and more liberal part of that state.

-Expenses in Austin caused me to leave that city last year, where I had made my home the majority of my time there. While things are currently decent, all signs point to where I am now becoming financially unlivable sooner rather than later. Currently, rent makes up half my monthly income and it makes it next to impossible to stay on top of things or get ahead. I've stopped getting into new debt (none in 2023!), have paid off credit cards, and negotiated my debts down, but there is still further to go and living somewhere where my monthly expenses weren't so high would only help

So, what is the plan, and where are any generous donations going?

Taking care of July rent: $715

Ending my lease (a month's worth of rent when I move out) $900

moving truck $900

movers in TX and IL: $500

moving expenses (gas, incidentals): $200

deposit on a new apartment: (I'll be looking for a place in the $600-800 range): $800

The rest of the initial amount is there for incidentals and cushioning. Anything helps.

I would love to leave in the next few months (August/Sept) but at the moment December is the most feasible in my current situation. Anything you can do helps move that timetable up, and moving in the summer/fall will be easier than midwest winter. Thank you for reading, that is greatly appreciated.