Scholarship Fund For Queer & Trans Disabled Support Group

Scholarship Fund for Support Group for Queer & Trans Disabled and Chronically Ill Folks

Goal: $4,200

Introduction: We are excited to launch this GoFundMe campaign to help make this vital support group more accessible to folks who cannot afford it. Our goal is to raise funds for scholarships dedicated to queer & trans disabled chronically ill individuals who want to be a part of this support group and would otherwise find it a hardship to access financially.

About the Fundraiser: Living at the intersection of disability, chronic illness, and Queer or Trans identities presents unique challenges. Our support group is for Queer and Trans folks living with disability, chronic illness, and chronic pain. In the group, we spend time learning from, listening to, and supporting each other, building community, expanding our skillsets, learning somatic exercises for grounding and nervous system support, learning about herbal medicine for nervous system support, and sharing tips on managing pain, stress, navigating healthcare systems, and living with chronic conditions in ableism. Our aim with this fundraiser is to provide scholarships that will help individuals access this healing space that we have begun to create. As Queer and Trans people living with disabilities, making space to be in a circle where we can laugh together, cry together, learn from one another, and share our stories is deeply medicinal and a breath of fresh air.

The first cohort of this support group ran for six weeks in the spring of 2024. It was successful and deeply meaningful for the group members. We hope to expand the fall 2024 group to nine weeks to better support participants. For the spring cohort, there were more requests for sliding scale spots than we could accommodate. People who would have otherwise been served by this support group were not able to participate due to lack of funds. This space is led by queer and trans disabled Somatic Experiencing practitioners and herbalists.It is important that this community resource be sustainable for both participants and facilitators. Your donation will go towards making this support group accessible for those who could not otherwise afford it -- and if we meet our goal, to be able to offer this space for free to all participants, many of whom face profound barriers to resources.

Why Your Donation Matters: Your donation will directly impact the lives of those who are often underserved and face systemic barriers. By contributing, you can help us keep this group going and growing. We hope to continue weaving supportive and accessible support groups for folks living with disability.

How You Can Help:

- Donate: Any amount helps and is deeply appreciated. Every contribution brings us closer to our goal.

- Share: Spread the word about our campaign on social media, through emails, or within your networks to help us reach more people. And spread the word about the support group to folks who might need it! Learn more about the group at http://www.jeanmadrone.com/supportgroup.html

- Support: Consider contributing in other ways such as supporting an individual or partnering with us on other ways to get funds together.

Thank You: Your support is crucial in making a meaningful difference in the lives of Queer & Trans disabled chronically ill individuals. Together, we can build a better future that is more equitable and accessible to all people - a future where disability justice and queer liberation is at the forefront.