I used to believe that if the U.S. tipped toward open authoritarianism, I'd be one of the ones who stayed to fight. Since coming out as trans, my perspective has shifted. If I were detained, I would almost certainly be placed in a men's facility. That isn't a risk I'm willing to take.
I'm almost 50. I'm a writer and public theologian whose work lives at the intersection of queerness, spirituality, and justice. After coming out, my income declined, donors fell away, and harassment escalated. People I once thought of as ride-or-die community turned away. My partner, Shaw, was unlawfully terminated due to discrimination, and her wage-theft case still drags on.
For months, I've been without consistent medical care because the system has been sluggish processing my unemployment, leaving my insurance in limbo. Now a looming government shutdown threatens federal funding that helps keep trans healthcare even marginally available.
Each month brings more anti-trans bills, weakened sanctuary protections, and growing hostility. We can't wait for it to get worse. We're leaving at the turn of the year—late December or early January—and relocating to Canada. While there, we'll apply to graduate programs, both to deepen our work and establish a clear, durable residency pathway.
Why now? The political trajectory isn't hypothetical anymore. Trans healthcare is being dismantled state by state, sanctuary protections are eroding, and enforcement mechanisms are expanding. For us, "wait and see" means "wait until it's too late." Moving now is the only way to preserve safety, healthcare access, and the possibility of a future.
What we're planning
We've been offered hospitality at first, which gives us a softer landing. But until we're accepted into programs, we won't be able to work in Canada. That means we need to raise enough for survival—healthcare, food, and basic expenses—for up to six months.
I'll be applying to graduate programs to continue my research and writing while building a stable residency path.
Shaw will explore graduate programs in therapy or social work, continuing her path toward becoming a therapist.
I'll keep writing and publishing—I have books and essays already underway, and more to come.
The nonprofit I founded (CPI) will shutter indefinitely at year's end. The work doesn't end—it shifts. To keep it alive, we need help making this move possible.
Our Goal: $22,000
This covers the cost of moving and six months of survival in Canada.
Immediate move costs (one-time): ~$6,000
- Travel, temporary lodging, and border expenses
- Shipping essentials and storage
- Immigration/legal/application fees
- Basic setup (phones, transit passes, groceries, winter gear)
Six months of survival: ~$16,000
- Private health insurance + medication (~$1,000/month)
- Food, transportation, and daily needs (~$1,500–2,000/month)
Stretch Goal: $28,000
Extra funds will cover:
- Additional legal or immigration filings
- Tuition deposits to secure program placement
- Extended healthcare cushion if delays prolong our work ineligibility
How you can help
1. Donate if you're able.
2. Share this campaign widely—it expands our reach.
3. Sustain: For ongoing support as I rebuild my writing and teaching life, join me on Patreon or Substack .
Thank you for reading, sharing, and giving. Solidarity isn't abstract. It's rent, medication, and a safe door to lock at night. You're helping us cross a border and keep a life's work from being extinguished.
