My wife and I are trying to raise funds to get out of Florida this Summer. I’m a trans woman and a lesbian, but I’m also a public school teacher in Orlando. I have had indignity upon indignity heaped upon me, and had more and more of my autonomy as an educator stripped away. I stayed even as things started to get bad because I wanted to make a difference. But we’re getting priced out of the city, and some of the things advancing through various state legislatures have made me realize it’s time to get out before it’s too late. We have until June to raise the money to move to Maryland.

Your donations go to the following things:

1. Obtaining a new apartment in Maryland. (We have done this now, and it ended up costing close to $2000).

2. Transporting ourselves and our belongings to Maryland. ($3000-$4000)

3. Paying movers to help us. I’m disabled with severe chronic pain and cannot lift heavy things. (Ballpark $1500)

4. Covering rent and other bills. We’re pursuing teaching jobs, but due to teaching being a ten month profession and the academic year starting later than Florida’s, we have to account for roughly three months between last Florida paycheck and first Maryland paycheck. (Roughly $6000)

5. Down payment on a new car. My 2007 Ford Fusion has gone as far as she can go. I’ll need a car to get around, especially to get to work. ($5000 would be a good start)

6. Rebuilding a modest emergency fund. $1000 would be a good start.

7. Paying off debt. My wife and I both have student loans, a car loan, and also personal debt incurred keeping ourselves afloat while my wife was unemployed.

We’re asking for a lot, but we need a lot of help. Thank you for any support you can offer!