TRANSportation for Trans Services
My name is Rayven Benson, I am a transgender woman living in the Portland, Oregon area. In the wake of the recent presidential election, myself and many other transgender people have found ourselves scrambling to get our legal name changes handled before our worst fears come to light and we lose the opportunity to do so. I know that many trans people do not have a vehicle of their own, and thus, transportation to the courthouse, DMV, and other services can be a huge roadblock to these efforts for them. I am fortunate enough to have a vehicle of my own, and have offered my time and vehicle to help others get to resources, the courthouse, the DMV, anywhere they need to go to help them get their paperwork in order.
Unfortunately, like most trans people, I am also low income. This means that my resources to buy gas and maintain my car to continue providing this service to my trans sisters and brothers is limited. My girlfriend and roommate have offered to help, but their financial situations are not much better than my own.
Any money raised through this GoFundMe will be used strictly for buying gas and maintaining my car to continue providing transportation to those who need it. I know that most of those who need my help don't have the money to pay me for gas, and as such, I have not asked for anything in return for my services. But I need money to keep this service available.
This is an immediate need. Already since I first made the offer to help on Wednesday November 9th, I have spent 8 hours and 3 tanks of gas helping others in need reach these resources that can help them. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I have had several others also reach out to me for help. We in the transgender community are facing a very likely time crunch to get our paperwork changed and in order before we lose the right to do so.
This means so much to me because I am directly affected by these events, as are my loved ones. The near future is full of uncertainty, and I want to help as many people as I can get to a place of a little more stability. I will be eternally thankful for any help I receive, as will those that I am able to help in turn. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
