What's In a Name? (an Appeal)

Almost all of my readers know me as Sophie.  Many of you know how I got this name (Karen from Femme Fever).  Some know why I keep it (Sophie Scholl.)

Shakespeare had this to say about names:

What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;

(Romeo and Juliet: Act 2, Scene 2)

I am Sophie.  Yet, I am not.

With dear friends Linda, Amy and Victoria a week or so ago

I'm still legally known by my male birth name.  That's what's on all my official documents.

My driver's license may have my gender as "F" and the picture may be current, but the name is still my birth name.

I've been full time as a woman for nearly 22 months.  I've been on hormones over three years.  I do outreach.  I write this blog.  I've been published in the New York Times... but I'm still not legally Sophie.

My transition has stalled.

Why?

Well that's simple:  Money.  I work retail, and can barely keep a roof over my head.  In Chester County, PA (where I live) it costs over $900 to change one's name (unless it's for marital reasons- then it's only $100.)

As most of my readers know, my mood hasn't been too... great... of late.  One of the reasons for this is because of my stalled transition.  I'm beginning to believe I will never succeed.   What to do about it?

Several dear friends have sent me private messages suggesting I try a "go fund me" campaign.  I didn't want to do so.  I despise charity.  I want to succeed or fail on my own merits.  I GIVE to charity, yes.  I do so often, but that's different.  I don't feel I've earned charity.  (I'm the same way about gifts.)  I don't feel worthy of them.

However, a coworker told me that it's ok to accept charity- to let others Help.  She said that some people WANT to show their support, as they WANT my transition to succeed.  See "don't feel worthy" above.

Anyway.  I looked at my life and my future.  I can't remain where I am.  I can't go back to where I was.  So there are only two other options, and the best one is to go forward (the other was Lisa's path.)  And to move forward... well... I need help.

With that in mind, I heeded my friends' council and started a Go Fund Me.  This is only the second one I've done- the first was to help defray some of Lisa Empanada's funeral expenses (which raised over $3000, thanks to the generosity of the TG community.)

So there it is:  I'm asking for help.  I need $1000 to take this next step.  I'm not expecting anyone to donate- we transpeople all have our own problems- but if some people can, I would be most grateful.

If you would like to help, click THIS LINK.

Whether you can help or not, I appreciate you reading.  And I appreciate your comments.

I'm going to bed now.  I work tomorrow.

Thanks again.

Be Well