*Posting on here because tbh, it's really hard to ask for help anywhere else because all of our friends are our age. And Ellie also doesn't want a bunch of strangers in our city to know that she's trans.
Ellie is a trans girl who, until two weeks ago, wasn't out to her parents.
She lives in a conservative neighborhood in Dallas, TX where everyone is extremely homophobic and transphobic, except for a small circle of her friends.
At the beginning of June, she decided to attend Dallas' Pride Parade for the first time, and as her authentic self. It was the most liberated she's ever felt. A couple days later, her dad found a flyer from the parade in her backpack, broke into her phone, and found photos of her celebrating in a dress. She finally opened up to them hoping that they'd understand, but they kicked her out that night with only her phone and wallet. Since then, she's been staying with me (her best friend), but my parents said that she has to be out by the end of July. They're also transphobic, so while she stays with us, she still has to hide herself from them. Being queer and trans in Texas is rough!
She just turned 18 and has nothing, not even clothes besides what she's borrowed and what I've bought her from Goodwill. She had to quit her job a couple months ago because her much-older manager sexually harassed her and called her the "F" word.
She starts college in August and was relying on her parents to house her, but now she needs to find an apartment. She also needs a way to afford books, new clothes, transportation, well ... pretty much everything.
Despite all that she's experienced, she's now committed to living as her authentic self, as the girl she's always been. But it's going to be hard(er) if her basic needs aren't met.
Can you help Ellie find a place to live, feed herself, and stay in school? Her parents have pretty much said that they'll never speak to her again unless she "repents." It's so important that we keep Black trans women off the streets, and help them live safely and authentically, especially as this country gets more and more dangerous for trans people.
Thank you and happy pride!
