Sakeema asking for support (URGENT & Long Term) x

Hello friends and folx I haven’t met yet,

For those who don’t know me, my name is Sakeema and I’m a black woman of trans experience, a dreamer, a mother, a daughter, sister, friend… I don’t believe in the binary, very much anti government and I want the world to be a more loving place x

I’m setting up this go fund me because I’ve been struggling in silence for a little while. Battling debilitating depression and dreams of suicidal escape. Whilst trying be a positive embodiment of change and navigating the oppressive systems at work, I’m ready to admit that I’m in need of some support.

As you may know already Trans Healthcare in the UK is not easily accessible or readily available…

I was recently set to visit Egypt, to collaborate with local artists and deliver workshops to trans and queer youth (which is illegal to even advertise btw). I was detained in Cairo airport for 12 hours in a hostile and aggressive environment because the gender marker on my passport did not match the woman before the 'control officers'. To change the gender marker on my passport I will need a gender recognition certificate after psychoanalysis, which on the NHS can take up to 5 years to be seen for on the current waiting list.

The same 5 year waiting list applies to hormone replacement therapy – HRT which for many trans people is lifesaving healthcare. I have been self medicating now for 1 year and 3 months now and would like to access healthcare that can safely support me along this journey as well as affirming feminisation procedures to ease my dysphoria and depression.

So the money I am asking for at the moment will go towards my healthcare, including medication, gender recognition certificate, therapy, an updated passport and consultations for potential surgeries as well as living costs and a new laptop to put me on some stable ground again.

Some of these costs are urgent, namely my 3 month upfront rent due in January as I am still recovering from 2 months that I was unable to work due to my poor mental health. I don’t want to be a statistic or repeat the narrative of trans peoples life expectancy… I want to make plans, live life and grow old.

Please support me by donating and sharing… and if you know anyone in particular who might be able to help then please send directly to them also. Any and all help is greatly appreciated and I thank my community for the love and care they have shown me so far, I’m so blessed to be held by you all,

With love and gratitude,

Sakeema xox0