Disabled Immigrant Queer trafficking Survivor

Being queer and young in San Francisco has given me, a Vietnamese-Irish newcomer from Vietnam, hope for emancipation. However, discrimination and homophobia thrive in all landscapes, sometimes in forms we never want to experience, even in our imagination. On April 15, 2024, while riding public transportation home, I was falsely imprisoned and assaulted by a group of eight (8) ski-masked assailants. They threatened to take away my life after questioning whether I was "a Jew", "thespian," and many racial slurs. The attack escalated when I refused to give up my belongings, which were my survival tools.

As of results, I was hospitalized and had a CT and MRI scanned due to suspected internal bleeds. Unfortunately, the only consequence applied was that I’ve become disabled. Besides, paying nearly $5,320 of my savings due to dislocations, as advised by law enforcement and my PCP.

Since 2007, the human trafficking hotline in California has received approximately 51,649 calls, with only 1,043 cases identified with victims under the age of 25 (I’ve just turned 24). Isn't this statistic alarming? I wonder, how many of these cases involve LGBTQI+ youth? And how can we address this issue when resources are so scarce?

I’m using my resilience to obtain skill tools and experience of being a queer and disabled immigrant who chose alternative pathways to move on. Eventually, to write grants free of charge for international and national non-profit organizations, like my recent collaboration with the Murphy Charitable Foundation in Uganda. With the expected outcome of this program, I can continue my support for BIPOC low-income communities in the Bay Area and the nation with volunteer work from tutoring to case managing.

However, I could not have obtained all these values without your participation as community members. As urgent as the downfall escalated, your impact represents your voice and effort to our community, please understand your voice matters.

There are many ways to show your support:

a. Request prints of my photographs (I'll ensure they're delivered to your door) visit this Google Drive folder filled with photographs with a variety of origins from Hanoi, Vietnam to San Francisco. Including still life, B&W photographs.

b. Spread the word to your friends.

c. Choose a donation level and take pride in your action.

Program fees breakdown:

Tuition of the program including internship cost: $4,060

Airfare: $2,200

Clinic appointments including immunization pills: $480

Visa: $60

Passport: $175

Basis program information: Conducted in Winneba, Ghana (Africa) by Professor Duku Anokye here at School of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies of Arizona State University.

To participate, I will be reside in a fishing village, intern with Challenging Heights safeguarding children who have been trafficked by working with the School and the Women's Empowerment Center. Expected to be completed by 2026

Besides the program cost, your donations help support my recovery from PTSD treatments, dislocation, and hospitalization.

Feel free to contact me for any questions you may have. Or, simply because you feel like I can be your support