Legal Fund and Survival for Tayvia

Update 7/20/20 - Tay Tay's clemency campaign was successful and we are now fundraising to cover her reentry to the world with a seperate fundraiser. Thank you for your support!

Tayvia, AKA  Ms. Tay Tay is hurting and needs help.

Tayvia is a black trans woman from Chicago, and faces constant sexual and physical violence in Illinois Department of Corrections prisons.

She is currently pursuing a civil case against the health provider of her former correctional facility, Wexford Health source, as well as multiple staff members, who refused to allow her access to hormones in order to medically transition. Not only will victory in this case allow Tayvia to transition, but could be an essential precedent for inmates in the future.

Tayvia was recently transferred to a new facility. She expressed extreme concern at her new conditions, writing: “This place is way more violent than where I just left. A lot of rapes, staff assaults, & weapons. A lot of violence period. I don’t even have time to heal from any trauma because it’s always scary”.

It is impossible for her to come up with this money on her own as a prisoner. And I as a low-SES college student am only able to do so much. We are appealing to you, the community, for mutual aid.

Tayvia is often unable to leave her cell in order to avoid violence. This means that she often goes without eating and basic supplies. She needs $500 for basic survival necessities.
Information about her pending civil case, Tate v. Wexford can be viewed here.
Tayvia's legal fees are estimated at $10,000.
She will need an expert witness to testify, and has chosen Randi Ettner, who has previous experience as an expert witness in this type of litigation. The estimated fee for the expert witness is $3500.


Maintaining accountability on this project is very important me, especially considering the large amount of funds needed. I can be reach via email at [email redacted] and am happy to answer any further questions, concerns, or interest in involvement. The money will be sent directly to Tayvia, via either Western Union or JPAY.

The best way you can help is to donate any amount you can, even $5 will help her be able to eat. The second best way is to share this as widely as you are able.

Tayvia is a close friend of mine. We met as pen pals through Black and Pink, a really cool prison abolitionist organization that supports LGBTQ prisoners.

Thank you so so so much,

Gratefully,

Gabi Stonoha