Escape the US: Building a Future for Myself and Others

Help Me Escape: The Exit Plan

The US has become an increasingly hostile place for me as a Mexican, trans, and queer individual. I’m ready to leave, but I need your help to make it happen. My goal is simple: get out of here while I still can.

My Journey: From Dreamer to Exit Plan

My journey as a barista began back in the dorms at Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt) in 2017. My friends and I — all queer folks — were anxiously discussing what our futures would look like under a potential Trump presidency. (Spoiler alert: it happened. And now, he's at it again.) We talked about community, about preserving spaces where we could be ourselves, and for whatever reason, opening a cafe seemed like a way to contribute to that.

At the time, I was 17. I didn’t know much about coffee, but I loved baking. Throughout middle and high school, I hustled to make money by selling baked goods since my parents didn’t provide much financial support. That summer before college, I sold baked goods and hand-screen printed Pokémon Go shirts in the park to fund my education. I needed to get out of my conservative hometown of Bakersfield, especially after realizing I was trans.

I always say, “moving 500 miles away from home still wasn’t enough, so I moved to Japan when I was 18.” But honestly, I moved because my mom and step dad thought I was delusional for dreaming of studying abroad in Japan. So, I made it happen. On March 2, 2017, I was admitted to Waseda University. On March 13, 2017, I began testosterone. Those two days were the start of my life as I know it.

In Japan, I immersed myself in the world of coffee, dedicating myself to learning everything I could. I met my chosen family, found peace, and discovered what it meant to live authentically. But when I returned to the US, I was faced with the familiar grind of university life. Just as I was about to launch my coffee event catering business, the pandemic hit, and my plans fell apart. Since then, I’ve been working in small cafes, managing and serving, but it’s no longer enough.

The truth is, I can’t do it anymore. Making just enough to pay my bills is getting me nowhere. The political climate, the increasing hostility toward people like me — it’s become too much. I can’t afford to stay stuck in this system.

My dreams have shifted. I don’t dream of wild success anymore; I dream of a simple life of peace and safety. And this business, The Exit Plan, is my way out. It’s not just a matcha cart — it’s my future, and it’s my chance to find a life where I can thrive, not just survive.

The Plan:

The Exit Plan is a matcha cart I started in Richmond, VA to raise money for my escape. This cart isn’t just about selling matcha, it’s about creating a pathway toward safety and stability. My original dream was to open a Mexican cafe in Japan, but my plans have shifted. I know I’ll be leaving the US by February, though where I land is still taking shape. Right now I’m exploring options in Australia, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

What hasn’t changed is the heart of this project: using my skills and experience to build a future for myself while creating opportunities for others. The Exit Plan isn’t just about my journey, it’s about making a system of support that can be passed on to other people who are also seeking a better future.

While I will be using the matcha cart as my primary means of fundraising, this GoFundMe campaign will serve as a supplementary source of support to help me reach my goal.

Once I’ve raised the funds I need, the matcha cart won’t be just mine anymore. I plan to pass it on to another person who wants to emigrate. They’ll receive my client list, marketing support, and help setting up their own exit plan.

The Bigger Vision:

This won’t be a one-time thing. The goal is for the business to continue changing hands in a cycle of support and solidarity among people who are looking for a way out. Once one person has raised their funds and made the leap, the cart will be passed on again.

Together, we’ll create a network of exit plans. It can be a lifeline for those who need it most.

Follow me on Instagram to watch the journey

@findyourexitplan & @mr_mystic_beanz