Help Ava & Zoe in an Emergency

Hey there !! My name is Ava. Many people before have known me as Jake.

I am a transgender woman, who has recently had to take a leave of absence from work due to the combined effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy and the stresses that come with being publicly out as a transgender person. This has unfortunately culminated in multiple suicide crises.

I have been working very hard to keep myself in a positive space and to continue growing in self-confidence so that I can resume normal life in the public world. I knew that transitioning in any capacity was going to be challenging - and it has been. Truthfully, it's been the most difficult thing that I've ever done, but it's also the thing that I am perhaps most proud of doing for myself. I am finding "me" by living, breathing, and existing as who I truly am.

Early in my transition, I put on a strong face and tried to deflect any negativities that I may have been experiencing, both from the outside and from within my head. But, in doing so, I never really allowed myself the opportunity to process anything or any aspect of the transition. I was just living every day at maximum capacity until one day, everything came crumbling down at once.

However, despite this not being what I had hoped for, I am thankful that it did happen, because it showed me that I did need to step back and take serious time to really work on myself. And that is exactly what I have been using this time away for.

Of course, my wife Zoe has been nothing but supportive during this time, and while she continues to work, I am currently being unpaid, and we are running up on when the clock is running out on us being able to keep up with our bills. It's a position that I've never truly been in before, and it's terrifying.

So, if you find yourself moved by this story or just want to help, know that Zoe and I would be eternally grateful. Not only would this security allow us to remain financially stable during this time, but also alleviate a massive stressor, as well. Eliminating that stress will only help me be able to strengthen and heal myself faster.

Thank you again for taking the time to read and consider this. If you'd like to reach out personally, you can contact me here on the fundraiser, or reach out to me on Facebook and the like.

Thank you again, so much.

Ava & Zoe