Monthly-sustenance-fund for Mother Cat

Cat has spent over 43 years inside various state institutions, starting at age 4, when she was disowned by her family for being trans. The name “Mother Cat” came from her role as caretaker for other LGBT prisoners in the Tennessee prison system.

While incarcerated, Cat wrote insightful zines on topics such as surviving prison as a transwoman, mental health, and getting out. PCP has been distributing these zines over the past decade, and Cat’s words have helped countless LGBT prisoners across Canada and the US.

Cat was released from prison in 2017, dropped off in downtown Memphis with $50. Homeless for the first 9 months, she eventually found a place to live and a job that pays her $25/day.

However, Cat’s job is constantly in jeopardy, and she never knows if she’ll be able to make her $440/month rent. Her criminal record makes it difficult for her to find a new job, and she can’t leave Memphis for a cheaper location until her parole is up in July 2020.

As Cat’s friends, we want to build a community support program to ensure that Cat doesn’t end up on the street again. We aim to raise $500/month for 10 months—until Cat’s parole, when she’d have more options.

Become a monthly donor and help us reach our goal! A small contribution each month goes a long way.

We’re also looking for paid speaking engagements (over video conferencing) that could benefit from Cat’s experiences. Please be in touch if you know of any opportunities.

Let’s come together and help Mother Cat thrive!

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“All my life I have challenged things I did not believe in and I have moved from place to place calling all places home, since I never had one as a child. That is why I consider everyone who reads this and does what they do to change their environment my family. And the only family I know are those who have had the same type of life as me, one of rejection and the fight for love, respect, and acceptance. So my brothers, sisters, friends, allies, family….take care, be respectful to each other, and grow strong. But most of all, go forth and change your worlds!”

Catherine Lynn Quick, Enter the Cathouse