A new Go Fund Me campaign has been started for renowned transgender author, playwright, and gender theorist Kate Bornstein to help cover the cost of her cancer treatment.
Bornstein is a longtime advocate for LGBT equality and suicide prevention for LGBT youth. She has written several award-winning books, including "My Gender Workbook: How to Become a Real Man, a Real Woman, the Real You, or Something Else Entirely" and "Hello, Cruel World: 101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws."
Bornstein released her autobiography, "A Queer and Pleasant Danger: A Memoir" in May 2012. The book, which details Bornstein's early involvement in Scientology and her decision to transition in the 1980s, has been called "brave, heartbreaking, and honest" by The Gay and Lesbian Review. She has received two citations of honor from the New York City Council and has been praised for her work by advocates all across the globe.
In August, Bornstein announced on her blog that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Since that time she has undergone surgery and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment. "The consensus is that Kate’s cancer IS CURABLE," according to the Go Fund Me's campaign page. "However, Kate’s treatment plan is more complicated than most because she has suffered from another kind of cancer - CLL, or Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia - for over fifteen years." Money raised for the campaign will help cover the costs of medical bills, treatment, and travel for Bornstein as she goes through this difficult time.
Bornstein wrote about her battle with cancer in a blog post in September. "I'm telling you all this because I've told you everything else about my life, and despite that, you've chosen to keep me company on this life path of mine. I'm so grateful for your company. I welcome your good wishes, prayers, candles, and any other good ju-ju you'd like to send. That'd be perfectly lovely, thank you."
In just one day, over $46,000 has been raised out of the $100,000 goal. You can donate to the campaign here.
GLAAD wishes Kate a full and healthy recovery.