I was debating whether or not it would be acceptable for me to post this on the trans comm as we have been trying to keep mutual aid posts somewhat contained, and I didn't want to be seen as abusing my authority as a mod. I also get weird when it comes to asking for help.

But this endeavor isn't just something I want to pursue for myself, but other members of our community so I'm going ahead with it.

cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/8038762

Hello everyone, it's been a while since I've made a post on mutual aid. Part of me felt like I was taking away from others by asking for assistance, and that their needs were much greater than my own. I have a roof over my head — for now (I will get to this later), and a relatively stable job.

However, it has become clear to me that if I carry on how I have been doing, I will eventually be bled dry. I have known this for a while, but didn't feel inclined to pursue any specific career path in general. But that's all changing.

There are a lot of different forms of healthcare that trans folk like us have to undergo. I have recently restarted electrolysis after taking a break due to my electrologist moving, and it was a pain to find a new one, there's not many people in my area who provide that service. This has led me to come to the conclusion that I should become an electrologist myself. This would allow me to pursue a career that would not only make my financial situation much more manageable, but give me the opportunity to provide care to my trans comrades.

After doing some research, the school closest to me has a few programs, a 400 hour long program and one that is 600 hours, costing $9,500 and $12,500 respectively, with a $500 registration fee. Unfortunately this amount needs to be paid before the classes, or through monthly payments over a period of time that is too short to effect things in a meaningful way. I would prefer to go through the 600 hour program to give myself the best foundation possible, but am making my plans with the 400 hour course in mind.

I am not relying on people to be able to cover the full amount. I have decided that that best way to move forward would be to stop paying the mortgage payments that have been bleeding me dry and to save that money up. This is a incredibly risky decision which is going to destroy my credit, but I believe it will be worth it in the long run.

Times are uncertain though, and I have a lot of other costs that I need to deal with while I can. I need to get carpel tunnel surgery done, so I can learn electrolysis without having to worry about my hands holding me back. (Thanks manufacturing jobs) I also need to continue electrolysis on myself which will likely slow down my savings, and money to relocate cities. Cost of living is also going to skyrocket due to the death throes of the American Empire, which I will be doing my best to mitigate with my recent purchase of an E-bike so I can cut down on my over-reliance on gas.

I understand that many of you are tapped out, and the coming months —and years— are going to only get more and more challenging. But if the world goes to shit, I'll at least be able to provide healthcare in a post apocalyptic wasteland.

I will be reposting about this every month or so, I will hopefully be able to save up enough money by next year.

My cashapp account is $SpicySerenade

I will likely add other sources for donations, but I haven't set them up yet.