Help Ash Coyote Fight Unjust Copyright Strike

Hi, my name is Ash Kreis, though you may know me as Ash Coyote on YouTube. I'm a transgender filmmaker and YouTuber who explores niche communities and fan spaces, sharing stories that foster understanding and celebrate diverse identities.

On October 31, 2024, I received a wrongful copyright strike against one of my videos. As a creator, I’m now faced with a tough decision: disputing this claim on YouTube requires sharing personal information, which I fear could be used maliciously by the person who filed the claim. To protect my privacy, I’m consulting with attorneys to counter the strike, as I believe this is a misuse of the DMCA process intended to silence my work.

I'm reaching out for help to cover the costs of hiring an attorney who can act as a third-party representative to serve a counter-notice on my behalf, asserting my fair use rights while protecting my identity. This may go beyond the initial notice, so I’m hoping to also build a financial buffer for any additional steps that could be necessary.

As a niche YouTube creator, most of my content is produced at a financial loss, and unexpected legal expenses are beyond my current means. Any contributions will help cover these fees and, if possible, support my ongoing documentary project, Headspace. This series aims to explore and educate audiences on niche communities, pushing back against the kind of harassment and hate that too many creators and communities experience.

If my content has been meaningful to you, please consider supporting me in this challenging time. Any additional funds raised will go toward furthering the mission of Headspace, empowering audiences with stories of resilience and community.

Thank you for your support and for believing in the work I do.