GAVIN GRIMM’S HOUSING and LIVING EXPENSES FUND

Gavin Grimm devoted years of his life to fighting for trans youth across America, and he isn’t finished. But now he needs your help .

 

A few months ago, Gavin experienced several seizures and was in a coma for four days. He is now doing much better but isn’t able to work. Because of this, Gavin is now facing the unthinkable: a crisis of housing which could leave him with no place to live or means of supporting himself in the very near future.

 

It is for this reason that we are asking for your support to make sure that Gavin is housed and safe.

 

Sadly, much of the news media coverage of the result of Gavin’s case mistakenly implied he would receive a large settlement payment. Nothing could be further from the truth ; all of these funds went to legal fees, not to Gavin.

 

Gavin needs our help now. There are so many needs in the world, but among them is a young man who has done so much for so many others and deserves the dignity and safety of housing security.

 

Please donate what you can today. Any amount is meaningful and appreciated.

 

Below are some anticipated questions about this campaign. Should you have additional questions, please contact us here and we will be sure to get back to you.

 

Finally, on behalf of Gavin, we thank you!

 

Vanessa and JR Ford and Gavin’s Friends

 

MORE ABOUT GAVIN :

 

Gavin was just 15 years old when he sued his school board in rural Gloucester County, Va., over an anti-trans policy that banned him from using the boys’ restrooms at school. Six years later, the school system settled the case and agreed to change its bathroom policy after a federal appeals court said Gavin was right that his treatment – and that of other trans students – was discrimination.

 

Along the way, Gavin became an internationally known advocate for trans youth, raising global awareness that trans people are people, who also are at high risk for self-harm and being victims of violence. Eloquent, thoughtful, and vulnerable, he was determined to use the attention his case drew to speak out tirelessly for the community, appearing in state, national and international media and being hailed for his bravery and conviction.

 

 

FAQs:

 

Is Gavin aware of this?

Yes! This has been in the works for a few months while details and logistics were worked out. Gavin and our family are in regular communication so this is as "official" a fundraiser as we can get!

 

What will the funds be used for? Is this enough?

These funds will be used to help him cover housing and living expenses for the next year. The more we can take financial worries off of Gavin's plate, the more he will be able to thrive and get healthy. And he deserves this.

 

Doesn't Gavin have money from this case and subsequent publicity?

No. See above.

 

What if I want to give a large sum (housing for several months for example...) but not through this platform?

Please contact Vanessa here and we can determine next steps.

Does Gavin have access to these funds?
A trust account is being set up so that the fundraising doesn't endanger Gavin's Medicaid and disability benefits. So he won't have direct access to it, but the trustee he has chosen will be using it to pay for Gavin's rent, medical bills, and other living expenses. The trustee can't spend the money on anything except for Gavin's expenses.