Support a Trans Woman's Journey to Self-Expression

Hi Folks,

I'm a trans woman living in California. Since I transitioned two years ago, lots of stuff has changed for me. Most of it has been for the better. I’m happier and feel more like myself than I ever have.

However, one thing hasn’t changed for the most part. My wardrobe is much the same as before I started my transition. I used to hate the way I looked, so I mostly just tried not to think about it. I continuously wore a series of black work pants and boring t-shirts (and one I stole from my mother).

Now that I know myself better and care about how I look, I'd like to change that. I still own and am forced to wear those boring black work pants and baggy t-shirts. They remind me of who I thought I was. I want to express myself in a way that suits who I actually am now.

For my birthday, I'd like to do something I haven't been able to do since I was 17. I'd like to go on a real clothes shopping trip. If I'm able to raise enough money, I'll use it to fill out my wardrobe with everything I haven't been able to shamelessly steal from my wife. For the first time in my life, I'll be able to build and define my style. It's my goal for this winter to build and consistently wear outfits instead of setting foot out the door in my old, gross work clothes day in and day out.

My desperation for new clothes is also practical. I’ve had these clothes for so long, they have become increasingly ill-fitting and holey. I have no real bras, just a couple stolen sports bras. Everything I own has holes upon holes from my shirts to my underwear. While I have been able to obtain a couple of things here and there, it feels impossible to replace a full wardrobe for summer and winter.

When I transitioned, I had dreams of rebuilding my wardrobe and really getting to see the person I could be (probably punk and gothy, but in a feminine way). But as the years have gone by, I find that it's just never in the budget. In life, things always come up. We’ve had to replace some vital appliances in our house, including our air conditioner. Our car was broken into, and the window was shattered. There are other things as well.

I've learned to live without a lot of new or exciting things. Don't get me wrong, I've learned to live with that, and I'm very happy with my life now. But it would make this a very special birthday to get to fullfill this longheld dream of mine.

My never-ending thanks to any who donate. Love ya all.