LOVE SAVES LIVES - FAMILY FROM THE HEART

Hello, my dear hearts, friends, and brothers and sisters of the world.

My name is Mariposa, a young trans woman, a lawyer by profession, a migrant, an activist, and a human rights defender who has lived in Germany for over three years. I had to migrate and apply for asylum due to threats to my social leadership and gender identity. In Colombia (Arauca-Arauca), I directed the Trans Dignity Foundation and carried out community work in defense of territory and life. I worked with youth, children, the LGBTI population, Afro-descendant populations, women, and people with disabilities living in poverty and vulnerability. Later, I contributed to social and imaginary transformation in territories such as Arauca, Bogotá, and Cúcuta; and I supported other advocacy processes in the search for peace, diversity, and equal rights in the territory. Now I find myself alone in exile. Over a year ago, I underwent sex reassignment surgery (vaginoplasty), and approximately two years ago, at the beginning of January 2025, I underwent the second operation. On July 30, 2025, I underwent the final surgery, and I have been recovering for almost a year and three months without being able to work. Recovery from surgery is long, somewhat painful, risky, and traumatic. Everything has improved with patience and love. Therefore, I do not have financial resources, as a large part of my savings have been spent on my identity process and free development of my personality (postoperative expenses and others).

Right now, I am here, opening my heart. With respect and affection, I am writing to you to ask for your support to raise approximately ,4000 euros so I can travel to Colombia to reunite with my family, after being away for so long without hugging, crying, or laughing with my mother, my grandmother, and my siblings. Since the violence, discrimination, and transphobia in the region separated me from my family and my community work, forcing me to migrate and seek protection for my life, this has broken my heart. It's been a long time since I felt the love of my family.

The armed conflict and violence separated me from my family.

I'll tell you a little about the situation:

I urgently need to travel to Colombia at the end of August 2025 for family reasons and need to be with my mother (55 years old) and my grandmother (98 years old). They have been diagnosed with a chronic illness and need to begin urgent treatment. Therefore, I am writing this message with due respect and courtesy. I know this is a little uncomfortable, but I feel a little worried, scared, and sad, and I am seeking support so I can travel. This payment would cover the costs of my 20-day stay in Colombia (travel expenses, medical insurance, and support for my grandmother and mother's hospital treatment for the first month).

That's why I'm writing this message, as I don't have the resources to travel and be with my family right now. I know this may be surprising and uncomfortable for you, and I'm very sorry to ask you for a favor. This is the first time I've found myself in a difficult family situation.

I'm happy to be able to hug my mother and grandmother soon. This is my greatest wish right now. The love of a mother or grandmother is something powerful and magical.

Thank you for listening, and I would also appreciate your support in sharing this message with more organizations, friends, and family and gaining support.

Love is the most powerful force in the world.

Best regards,

Mariposa.