Help Kylie Get Back On Her Feet

Hi. My name's Kylie, and I'm a lawyer. I'm a solo practitioner and a transgender woman. 

About a year ago, I underwent major surgery due to complications arising from Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA), an autoimmune disorder. Just before surgery, I lost my position at the law firm that employed me.

I lived off of what was in my retirement fund for a while, but over time the job search, living expenses, and medical expenses have worn me down. I currently operate as a solo practitioner; most of my clients are members of the local LGBTQ community, primarily people of color, who require basic services but cannot afford commercial lawyers. The majority of my business is done pro bono or at cost; the people who need my services most are the ones who wouldn't be able to pay. 

Between the original surgery a year ago, follow-up medical needs, two recent ER visits, and the basic expenses of being transgender and living with an autoimmune disorder, I am wiped out. I can't afford to pay for food and rent, much less hospital bills or medication expenses.

I've been looking for new work, but any trans person can tell you that the job market for us is really, really rough. In the meantime, I'm going to continue helping those that I can, however I can. 

I am starting this gofundme campaign to recover from medical expenses ($1758); to pay for my rent in Chicago, my ongoing meds, and to fund my legal work while I look for something new.  My goal, ultimately, is to have the economic stability to move to Toronto, where my partner lives, and become certified to practice law in Canada.

Any amount that you can give will help keep me from starving and keep me housed (approximately $1500/month). Amounts beyond that will go towards paying off my medical bills ($1758), paying for my ongoing treatments and medication (approximately $700 monthly) and making my mandatory student loan payments (approximately $800 monthly). Amounts beyond that will go towards maintaining my ability to practice law (~$300 yearly) and the costs of maintaining a law practice (at minimum, approximately $700 monthly, including phone, internet, client services, transit, and court costs.) 

My need for funding is urgent; I can't afford medication or rent this month. Nobody likes to ask for money, least of all me. But when I had employment, I forwent saving in favor of giving what I could to my own community, through organizations like the Center on Halsted, Howard Brown Hospital, Trans Lifeline, Chicago House, and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. I am the author of multiple guides to identity document correction and trans-inclusive human resources practice. I served in a volunteer capacity as Secretary to the National LGBT Bar Association, and organized educational sessions and career fairs for other queer lawyers. Whether or not doing so was wise, I'm now in a position where I have to ask for help. 

I have set my goal here at $10,000.00. I know this is a huge ask. But with this amount, I can pay rent and medical costs, and provide legal aid while searching for stable legal employment, for approximately three months. My costs will shift based upon ongoing medical needs and income from clients, but I will keep donors updated on major expenditures. At this level, I'll stand a chance of finding something without having to stop working for my people, or alternately expand my practice to be able to help my community while also taking on paying cases.

Thank you so much for reading, and for assisting. It means the world to me that you've read this far, and that you are considering helping at all. Any amount at all would give me some small hope that I can make it through the month. I also realize that not everyone is in a position to give financially. If you're not, at least consider sharing this campaign - that alone would be a tremendous gift.

Thank you for your kindness, and for your generosity.