Sophie's Emergency Fund

Hello, my name is Sophie and I am a 21-year-old transgender woman of color. I recently moved out into new housing with my little brother in August. As one would expect, rent and utilties are fairly expensive on a retail salary even while working two jobs. On top of living expenses, I also have to pay for hormones, gender therapy and my endocrinologist. With everything combined it takes up the majority of my paychecks. I made this campaign asking for help because the aforementioned bills and necessary treatments have now become impossible for me to pay for as I recently lost my full time job and main source of income.

While working at a retail giant, who I will leave unnamed, I experienced 6 months of transmisogyny and very recently I was forced to resign without warning when my human resources manager found out I was working at another retail job. Unfortunately, my part time job doesn't pay as well nor does it offer enough hours to ensure that I can at least pay for my rent.

I have been applying to as many jobs as I possibly can, and basically any job that I can find, but I've had no luck and have not heard back from any of them. I'm in a situation where family isn't an option that I can turn to; my parents are both abusive (my father - physically, my mother - mentally) and pose a direct threat to my overall health. When I informed my aunt about my struggles, she basically told me to "figure it out" and has not offered to help me in any way (e.g., by giving me an extension on rent or at least covering me until I get a job, at which point I would be able to pay her back).

As difficult as this is for me to admit, the stress of everything has gotten to me and I'm constantly in fear of being homeless and it's looking more and more like that's going to happen with each passing day. I have asked around, but my friends unfortunately either have no room for me to stay in or certain circumstances prevent me from being able to stay with them. At this point I fear that I will be forced to live in my car for an undetermined amount of time as I don't have anywhere to go and I honestly don't know when I'll get another job (or if the job I get will be enough to cover all of my bills).

Putting a stop on gender therapy, hormones and putting off appointments with my endocrinologist is not an option for me and it never will be. These are things I absolutely need in order to continue living my life in the way I do. I cannot even begin to explain the severe hit my mental and physical health will take if I were to put my transition on hold.

I don't know what to do. I'm at wits end and I'm truly terrified about where I'll be in a few weeks if I can't pull something together, and right now it doesn't seem like it's going to happen. I'm scared. My light bill is due on Thursday (October 15th), my rent is due on November 1st, my blood work for my endocrinologist is set to be done in November as well, and I will have to pay for my hormones in December. I only have a little under $200 to my name right now.

So I'm turning to you all in hopes that you'll be able to help me, even if it's just a little. Everything and anything you contribute will be greatly appreciated and I don't think words will ever be able to convey how thankful I am. I would be so grateful if you could spread the word if you can't contribute.