Ashley Turning Ashton

Biologically, my name is Ashley Philipps. Born and raised in Missouri, I was probably one of the most "tomboy" child you would have seen. Growing up, I stayed as a "tomboy" having many more guy friends then I would have girls. With my dad on his weekends, I would go do many things with him including mud running, hunting, four-wheeling, etc. When I talk to people now about my dad, people would tell me that he was raising his little boy and waiting for the day he would have one finally. Now he isn’t here to see it though, he passed away in 2003.
As I was in middle school, I tried for my mom to do the girly things she always wanted me to do, wear dresses, put on makeup, date boys, and hang out with more girls, but that just wasn't me, and it wasn't who I wanted to be. She won't accept me for the boy that I am striving to be, until I am proving to her that I am one and that I am taking the steps to be one, which puts me in the predicament that I am in now.
No one wants to hire a twenty year old girl trying to be a boy.
I am currently unemployed, but job searching. I have been putting in applications for the last month and a half everywhere. Not a single phone call yet and already a denial email from some of the friendliest LGBT corporations. I need help.

The money that I am asking for is going towards my counseling that I am to be receiving and the Hormone Therapy (HRT) that I will be starting as soon as I can afford the visits. My counselor has informed me of pricing and the HRT alone will cost around $500 for the initial visit and the follow-ups. If I can raise a little extra, I'm hoping that it will cover the cost for my counseling as well.

After my process is over, I plan to help other transgender folks in need with their transitioning with any left over money and start a foundation of my own called Going Male and Going Female depending on the circumstance of the individual.

The support I have so far is so amazing. My girlfriend, five of my closest friends, and half of my family excluding my mother and step-father are all trying to help me. I have a friend who is putting aside money in a change jar for me, and my girlfriend who is staying by my side the entire time including the counseling that I currently received two free sessions due to my financial problems instead of just one, but am no longer able to continue for free.

As of right now, people who donate will receive a personal, handwritten, appreciation letter by me and personal DVD updates of my progress through the mail.

Your help is greatly appreciated!