A request for support

I hope this message finds you well. I’ve been going back and forth about whether or not to reach out, but after a lot of thinking and reflection, I’ve come to the difficult conclusion that I need to ask for your support. As you may know, I’ve been facing significant personal and financial challenges lately.

I was unjustly terminated from my job due to a combination of transphobic harassment and union busting, which has left me struggling both emotionally and financially. I’ve made every effort to remedy this situation—I’ve applied for over 380 jobs, and I’ve worked tirelessly to try and get back on my feet.

Despite this, things are not improving quickly enough, and I am now at a breaking point. The financial strain has become overwhelming, and I find myself unable to meet the basic expenses required for survival. This includes rent, medication, car payments, food, and other essentials.

I’m also trying to secure my future through education, but even the required tuition deposit has become a barrier. Here is a breakdown of what I urgently need to cover by the end of the month:

 • $80 – Cat’s thyroid medication

 • $820 – Rent

 • $245 – Car payment

 • $150 – Car insurance

 • $50 – Trans medication

 • $150 – Debt service payments

 • $150 – Food

 • $75 – Transit

 • $65 – Phone bill

 • $250 – Tuition deposit

 (I also have an overdue bill of 400 dollars for fertility preservation, but it’s not life sustaining and I have not included it in this calculus)

 Total: $2,035

 I am expecting an Ontario Works payment of approximately $700, but that will still leave me short by $1,335. I’ve been relying on the generosity of a close friend, but I can’t continue to lean on them without feeling like I’m dragging them down with me.

That guilt, layered on top of the stress I’m already under, is unbearable. I’ve exhausted every other resource available to me. I am not someone who asks for help easily or lightly.

I feel deeply ashamed to be in this position—but I am asking because I don’t see any other way forward right now. If you’re able to contribute financially—even a small amount—it would make a world of difference.

If you can’t, I still value and appreciate your presence in my life more than I can say. Just having people who care keeps me holding on when it’s darkest. Thank you for reading this.

Thank you for being here. I hope that one day soon I’ll be in a position to pay this kindness forward.

Sera