Help Sharmila move into a safe & accessible home

Hi everybody, my name is Sharmila and I’m an Indonesian, disabled, transgender woman from the Netherlands. I’m a make-up artist, gender expression coach, activist and founder of cosmetics shop VAIN Beauty. About two years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses and have been working really hard to make changes in my life to accommodate myself and my constantly changing symptoms.

Recently, I have been having more intense symptoms impacting my energy levels, muscle strength and mostly my endurance. I’ve lived on my own since I was 16 years old, in the same studio appartment, living on the top floor with two steep, spiral staircases and with no options for accessibility aids. This often leaves me stuck inside of my home, in bed, because of the inaccessibility. Some days I’m unable to walk the stairs, and knowing I might need a wheelchair in the future, I need to move out urgently.

That is why I’m asking for your help. I’m working on finding a new, accessible place to move into together with my friend Jasmijn. She is going to move in with me so I can receive extra support and care on days where my symptoms are really bad and make it easier to find a place (since the housing market is a disaster as it is).

With the money raised from this campaign, I would cover a percentage of the security deposit, moving costs and investing in some accessibility and mobility aids. I’ve tried getting help from the government but since my illnesses are not recognized as disabilities (yet) by them, I have to take matters into my own hands.

UPDATE 29/08: I have increased the goal amount as I am estimating bigger costs, as we have been going through multiple applications for housing and have been gathering more info. We have still not found a new place and the search and resulting stress is taking a toll on my body, causing health issues and therefore need budget for help and meds/aid's.

If you are not able to donate, please share this campaign so I can reach more people. I will be giving updates on finding a place and how the journey goes over on my Instagram: @sharmilamua. Thank you so much for reading and supporting me in your own way.

Lots of love, Sharmila