Help an aspiring Black doula survive and thrive

Hello everyone, I’m a Black, non-binary lesbian looking to fundraise so that I can better provide for myself, pay off debt I owe my previous institution, and start my full-spectrum doula training program so that I can officially commence my career and most importantly, community role of offering full-spectrum doula care that centers Black & LGBTQ+ people. After struggles with my mental health that have been ongoing for the past few years that have worsened while I was away at college (and that are currently being agitated by the global pandemic), I decided to take a leave of absence for the spring and fall 2020 semesters to allow myself to recharge, find work, and explore my options within my institution and outside of it. During the earlier months of the pandemic, after hearing testimonies from other Black doulas and midwives and, learning about the dangerously high maternal mortality rates in Black women, I was intrigued and inspired by the work these individuals provide to make birthing safe again and make other types of doula care accessible to the most marginal and my heart has undeniably been set on becoming a birthworker since. But, I also want my care to be fully inclusive to those who don’t only identify as women yet are still looking for full-spectrum doula services. Unfortunately as my life has further developed in 2020, it’s been ridiculously hard to find adequate employment (both in-person but, especially remote) for my skillset although I’m still trying and that’s put a heavy strain on my life. So, while I’m excited, motivated, and dedicated to willingly starting my own freelance doula consulting services to the Black and LGBTQ communities after training and certification, while also establishing a steady income and life of my own, I’ll definitely need help getting there and that’s where aid comes in. My goal is to pay off the past due amount I owe my college after I withdrew which I can’t afford at the moment, fund my full-spectrum doula training, and survive while I continue to look for work. I’m asking for your help to help others. Thank you so much for reading, donating, and sharing. Anything helps and all is deeply appreciated. Cashapp: $KenzoJamesLoz Venmo: @afrosolarian