Through the Static

By Evan Gortner 

A devoted father in the Seattle community is fighting for custody of his two children, including one who is Transgender, and he needs your assistance. Mickey is an amazing father and wants to continue providing a loving household, unconditional support, and gender-affirming care, but he needs custody to do so, and that is a long and grueling battle. 

Mickey is the kind of person that radiates joy and love through every conversation he has. I have known him for a few months now, and in any interaction I have had with him he has been nothing but radically kind and genuinely caring, even to people he does not know well. But don’t take it from just me; those in his inner circle jump at the opportunity to share how remarkable he is. 

When in his care, his kids are “brilliant, vibrant, and incredibly well-regulated emotionally” Brittanie, a friend of his, told TtS. She added that he is “one of the kindest, most compassionate people [she] has ever met.” 

Kevin, a former roommate and friend of Mickey, shared that he believes Mickey is “arguably the literal ‘World’s Best Dad’,” and that Mickey is “the embodiment of goodness.” 

In his home, Mickey consistently respects his Transgender child’s preferred name and pronouns, supports their clothing and haircut choices, and ensures access to evidence-based affirming care, another close friend shared. His commitment to compassion for all doesn’t end at home or with his friends. He has spent time with the Gender Justice League in Washington’s Capitol, Olympia, advocating for the rights of Transgender people all over the state.  

“I can honestly say that Mickey’s children should be with him. If you can help support [him] in this legal process, please do. He is deserving of whatever help you can provide,” Lisa, a good friend of Mickey’s and fellow parent said.  

Attorney fees are quickly racking up, and the deadline to pay his attorney’s trial retainer is May 15. Many contested custody cases in Washington easily top $10,000 in legal fees and attorney costs. This is not to mention the mental stress on the children involved and parents.  

To help lighten this burden, use the link below and reference code “MICKEY” to help fund his legal costs to help ensure that he can continue fighting for his children to live in a loving and affirming home with their dad.

Secure.lawpay.com/pages/shanathompsonlaw/trust  

View more of Evan Gortner’s work here.