Hello, my name is Ariel Yardena (she/they), and I am a transgender teacher living in North Texas. This state has grown increasingly hostile to people like us, and the State is looking for reasons to persecute queer educators such as myself, which is a direct threat to my employment, safety, and housing.

My students and their parents have shown increasing hostility towards people like myself, and I have had to endure threats and insults, with students hurling slurs towards my direction because of my painting my nails. This stress has negatively impacted my health, both physical and mental.

My lease will lapse in May (2026) and I will likely need to pay an increased rate for a monthly lease. My only options are either to flee Texas and move into a more welcoming city up north, or move back in with family in an even more unsafe part of Texas.

It's getting worse here, legislatively. The dam will break in Texas, and I fear I will lose my rights as a citizen if I stay in the region. This is likely my only real chance to escape these conditions and move to where I can not only survive, but thrive.

In order to do that, however, I need your help.

I am looking to move north and settle either in upstate New York or Salem, MA areas. This will be a costly move, which I cannot afford on my own, especially with my relatively low salary. I need to raise enough money to actually get to one of these places and secure a place to live there, which is why the goal is set at $5000. Every dollar will help get this to be closer to reality, and help me get to safety.

If you'd prefer to donate directly:

ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/arielhaymarket

Venmo: @Ariel-Yardena-9

Thank you.

- Ariel Yardena