Hey, I'm Emily (she/it), a 29 year-old trans woman currently making-ends-meet in South Louisiana, and I'm trying my absolute best to get my beloved fiancée, Fern (she/her, also transfeminine) into a better living situation so we can truly begin living our lives. Fern and I have been living in Louisiana for the last five years in an environment that is not only transphobic but also challenging within our own family. While our immediate physical safety isn't at risk, the constant need to stay confined to our rooms for our safety has taken a toll on our mental health- we've effectively had to socially detransition as a result. We've found a place where we can truly thrive, engage with community that we've already immersed ourselves with online, and feel safe enough to exist as we are.

We're planning to move to the south Puget Sound (Tacoma/Olympia) this September. This move is less about a much-needed change in scenery, it's about finding a place where we can belong, access better job and career-oriented opportunities, and be part of a community that values and protects people like us. My wife is originally from the west coast, so this move will also bring her closer to family and a support network that we don't have here in Louisiana.

The funds we raise will go directly toward making this move possible. We'll use them for necessary car maintenance and new tires to ensure a safe journey, covering the first and last month's rent and deposit for a new apartment, paying pet fees so our cat, Ash, can come with us, and handling travel costs for the cross-country drive and temporary lodging. We'll also need to update our car registration in Washington and purchase some basic furniture and clothing as we start over. We're working as much as we can to save up, but we need a little extra funding to make this dream a reality.

I'm really trying to improve the quality of my life for my fiancée - who i plan to officially marry once we move- as much as I can, and this would massively help my overall goal. With the current political climate, it's more important than ever for us to be in a place that will stand with us as part of a marginalized community. Any support you can offer would mean the world to us and help us live a safer, happier future together.