Becoming: A black trans woman's transition fund

Mia is at the beginning stages of her transition. As many of you may know, the healthcare system has long waiting lists and many procedures one has to go through in order to start their transition. This goes for Mia as well.
That is why the Black Trans Art and Joy fund is setting up this fund to support Mia in the start of her transition today.

In her own words: 

My name is Mia, but I still live mostly as my assigned gender, unfortunately . I'm at the beginning stages of my transition.
When I made the choice to start to begin living my truth around the beginning of this year, I knew it was going to take time. But since I’ve accepted who I really am, it's hard to live in this in between phase.

I want to start living in my truth, but I feel very insecure about my facial hair and skin. Due to my skin and hair type, shaving is really bad for my skin. And I have to cover that area with a lot of make-up too and that messes up my skin even more.

I don't really go out because it makes me feel so insecure, because I can't hide it.  Now I have to let it grow because my skin can't handle it anymore, which is very depressing when all you want to do is to live authentically.
I really want to start living, but I don't feel like I'm passable enough due to problems with the shaving, my skin and perception of myself.
I know the goal isn't about being passable, but the reality is that in order for me to feel safe, this is a necessity. 

I feel like hormones will help a little bit with that problem.And I am working on that myself and with the support of the BTAJF. My beard and my gender dysphoria are the biggest struggle right now. I know I’m going to have to start lasering eventually but I can't afford that without the help of the Healthcare system for Trans girls or without any help for that matter. So here I am. 

It's difficult to put myself out here like this, but any help is so, so welcome. I reached out to The Black Trans Art & Joy Fund because I really don't know what to do anymore and I'm so grateful for any help that I could get, it's already more than I could do on my own.


Your funds will support Mia in..

Purchasing a series of 9-10 sessions at the hair removal laser clinic to help her with part of her dysphoria and unburden her in her transition. It will directly benefit her mental and physical health, if the community can come together and manage to support her with this.

Ideally we would meet the goal in November 2020, so Mia can start treatments this year. 

 

The Black Trans Art & Joy Fund is a private initiative by Naïmah Janse, Sharona Lautoe and Xiomara Virdó that centers community care for Black Trans people. We do this by organizing crowdfunding initiatives, as well as sharing and connecting networks, and offering practical support to provide the community with space to create, share their art, and above all: experience joy.
Find us on Instagram  as well.