Empowering Jihan: A Journey from Shatila to Independence

My name is Jihan. I am a trans woman living in Beirut, and I am writing to you today not just for help, but for a chance to build a life of dignity, safety, and self-reliance.
The Journey So Far
For years, I lived in the Shatila camp, navigating the immense challenges that come with displacement and marginalized identity. Recently, I made the brave choice to move to Beirut to pursue a better life. However, the reality of daily life here is a constant struggle. I am currently facing the weight of high rent, food costs, and basic daily needs that are nearly impossible to meet without a stable income.
Beyond survival, my dream is to finally become the "complete" version of myself. I am a student at heart, eager to finish my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, and I am working toward the gender-affirming surgeries that will allow my physical self to match my internal identity.
My Solution: The Motor Taxi Business
I am not looking for a temporary fix; I am looking for a sustainable future. In Beirut, the demand for quick, reliable transportation is high. I want to start my own business as a motor taxi driver. This will allow me to:
Gain Financial Independence: Cover my rent, food, and daily essentials.
Fund My Education: Complete my marketing degree to build a professional career.
Complete My Transition: Save for the surgeries that are essential for my well-being and mental health.
What I Need to Start
To launch this business and become a strong, independent woman who contributes to society, I need to overcome the initial hurdle of startup costs. In Lebanon’s current economy, these expenses are significant:
A Vino Motorcycle: This is the reliable vehicle I need to navigate Beirut's streets ($3,000 - $3,600).
Official Registration: Ensuring I am operating legally and safely ($800 - $1,000).
Driving License: Obtaining my professional credentials ($500).

Total Goal $4,300 – $5,100


Why Your Support Matters
For a trans woman in Lebanon, the path to employment is often blocked by discrimination and systemic barriers. By supporting this fundraiser, you aren’t just buying a motorcycle; you are providing a shield against tragedy. You are giving me the tools to protect myself from the cycles of poverty and vulnerability that too often claim the lives of trans women in our region.
I want to be productive. I want to be strong. I want to show the world that Jihan is capable of achieving her dreams.
Will you help me reach my goal? Every dollar brings me one step closer to the driver’s seat of my own life.
With hope and gratitude,
Jihan