This talk contextualizes trans millionaire, philanthropist, and noted eccentric Reed Erickson’s legacy in relationship to contemporary trans politics, which means grappling with tough questions that continue to inform trans justice struggles: what role have non-profits and philanthropic support played in trans movement work? What role should they play? Why has the legacy of trans advocacy consistently resulted in the burnout and fatigue of advocates and organizers? What are the ongoing impacts of that exhaustion, and what alternative visions of trans flourishing does the Erickson archive provide? Placing Erickson’s writing and life experience in dialogue with the fields of mad and disability studies, we’ll think through how transness modifies experiences of trauma, disability, and debility.