Aid in Black Trans AffirmationHealth and Security

Hey my name is Bay/They Davis and if you’ve found my GoFundMe and are reading this I want to thankyou for even taking the time 
I am South Central born and raised black nonbinary queer trans femme I use she/they pronouns I am a poet a tattoo artist I’ve taught classes I’ve workshopped I’ve keynote spoke I’ve rallied and organized and door knocked street corner petitioned done national trainings I’ve created and held space I’ve sat stood mourned and fought with community. All my work is and has been rooted in healing and liberation everything from tattooing to the open mics. I’ve always done my best to translate my own journey and healing and heartache and the tools I’ve used to navigate them as offering to other folks to pick up and alter and use as best they can. So again as I often am, am here to offer my transparency and self in hopes that my call for community and support is not only heard but understood.

I’m asking for aid in  three things that are not mutually exclusive by any means 

The 1st is help in securing fertility preservation costs
I was recently scheduled to finally start Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which was an emotional rollercoaster of its own 
But when I went in for intake my doctor didn’t have any information to offer about my ability to potentially start a blood related family down the line
Ive since talked to a handful of trans elders and professionals that all suggest I should solidify my fertility plans before going any further into medically transitioning 
Ive found 2-3 different options of places that offer these services 
to freeze and store sperm from anywhere between 10yrs-a lifetime (at least at the places I’ve found) would cost $4,000-$5,000 keep in mind I haven’t been able to get an exact quote since medical treatment varies on a case by case basis but 4-5 thousand is basic intake,consultation,sperm analysis, and to freeze/store it *price also varies on how long you plan on storing it and who/how you plan on using it with which I still don’t completely understand* 

I listed this 1st because its the most time sensitive/important 
I been scheduled to start hormones and am just waiting for me to be able to freeze and store my sperm so I can start next steps in medically transitioning 

When thinking about transitioning and my gender identity I never really thought about how it’d impact my ability to have children. I’ve struggled my entire life with trying to convince myself that my most honest self was a small part of me that I could shelf or hide or silence. In all the what seems like endless adversity that shorty follows existing as a black trans woman in America I am so overwhelmingly great full that I even have the option and access to have this choice. A choice to exist a choice to have children a choice to medically transition 

I’m also raising money in hopes to secure transportation for myself as well as housing. 

I know these might seem a little off from fertility preservation or medically transitioning or even necessity. I don’t know how else to say it other than it would flat out be safer. I cant walk down my block or take a bus or even an Uber without being catcalled and harassed or threatened or followed. I wish I had the words to translate how quickly a seemingly meaningless interaction can turn deadly for a trans specifically black trans women in the hood. Ive had men tell me good morning then literally spit my way or announce me into a room or joke and prowl. 
... I don’t mean to use my story or experiences as a way to explain or validify what I’m sharing trans people shouldn’t be expected prove anything but nonetheless this is my experience

Lastly I hope to get enough money to also move 
Ive lived in LA my whole life... I’ve recently realized how triggering it is to stay here. If you haven’t or don’t follow me/know me

My partner was shot and passed in my arms a little over a year ago
after his passing LA hasn’t been the same for me 
I still live 10 minutes from where he was shot 5 minutes from USC/where he lives and goes to school+where we ate and danced and laughed and fell in love 

I literally pass his dorm on the way to the bank, train, grocery store 
When I say its triggering to live here I mean my body literally locks up and I’m back to holding him 

Since his passing I’ve spent a lot of time and have found community and family and a spiritual grounding/home in Oakland (where he’s from) like I’ve never experienced
I’ve been talking about moving since he transitioned 

My plans before Covid was to fix my car (which I ended up having to junk because so many things were wrong with it) and save to move but I haven’t had a steady income in months 
So, that’s still the plan 

hoping to solidify my chances of having kids 10yrs from now get a car and enough money to I can run away to Oakland and continue my spiritual trainings and healing and transitioning 

Its been really hard to convince myself to make this I always have a hard time convincing myself of my worth I’m hella prepared to potentially not make the entire goal I know its a lot of money and feel like I can finesse with what ever I get 
but also the goal is to be able to make all of these transitions with ease and comfortability