Help House A Trans Domestic Violence Survivor

Welcome to a Fundraiser for Isabela Motta

Friends, family, and community: My name is Isabella Marcello Steele, and I am hosting a fundraiser for my former neighbor Isabela Motta, a domestic violence survivor living in São Paulo, Brazil.

Isabela has overcome significant challenges in her lifetime. This past year, however, her circumstances have become too challenging to face alone. Isabela lost her home and her income after fleeing an abusive relationship during the Covid-19 Pandemic. In May, her father's passing further jeopardized her capacity to stabilize her critical situation.

In Isabela's present reality, she often fears for her life: a level of anxiety that makes it enormously difficult for her to get back on her feet alone. Resources are limited for domestic violence survivors, and are especially limited for trans women of color who are escaping domestic violence while experiencing poverty.

I am asking for support in raising money to give Isabela the chance she needs to stabilize her situation and return to her pre-pandemic state of wellbeing.

Fundraiser History and Milestones

Thanks to your generous donations, we have helped Isabela maintain housing stability for 6 impressive, consecutive months. In July, we raised nearly $600 in our second fundraising sprint for Isabela Motta, surpassing our former record of $300 raised in just three hours back in May.

Our efforts have helped Isabela pay her rent, replace her gas tank, purchase groceries, acquire hygiene staples, and safely navigate personal emergencies.

How I Met Isabela

I met Isabela in 2018 while we were both living in Vila Mariana, São Paulo, Brazil. We were introduced through mutual friends who studied at Belas Artes, a local private university. My first memory of Isabela is of her infectious smile, and of how excited she was that we shared the same name. It’s this type of generosity that makes Isabela truly special: she wants to share everything she has with you, even something as personal as a first name.

Isabela Motta is pictured in the middle of the image. On the right is the author, Isabella Steele.

Isabela’s Struggle

Isabela Motta moved to São Paulo when she was just 19 years old, leaving her family home in a small conservative city. She worked hard to build a life for herself somewhere with more opportunities for trans people, taking on positions as a house cleaner, salesperson, dish cleaner, hostess, and waitress to make ends meet.

Unfortunately, the pandemic had the strongest consequences for our most vulnerable populations. While others succeeded in acquiring stability, growing their income, and upgrading apartments, Isabela was dramatically impacted by the unforeseeable circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to losing her income, Isabela's relationship became increasingly abusive.

Isabela Motta, the author, and friends in São Paulo, Brazil.

As a transgender woman of color, Isabela frequently encounters rejection and discrimination, intensifying her struggle for job security and stable housing. As the pandemic progressed, Isabela was forced to relocate further from the city center. Discriminatory housing practices have impacted Isabela's ability to commute to job interviews and secure employment. With subway and bus fare rising, Isabela's opportunities have been cut off by a lack of income.

Our Urgent Appeal

I am asking for help raising $1600, to help cover Isabela’s essential expenses including utilities, transportation, and food for September. This cause represents an incredible opportunity to make a significant impact.

Image of Isabella drinking an iced matcha drink against a black tile backdrop.

Due to the favorable exchange rate, donations made in dollars go five times as far, enabling donors to make a substantial difference regardless of the amount.

Your Contributions Make a Meaningful Difference

Our fundraiser accepts donations in any currency and distributes funds in Brazilian Reais via PIX. Here are some suggested ways that donors can contribute to Isabela’s cause:

Image of Isabella on a balcony looking out over her city, São Paulo, Brazil.

Your Support Brings Stability to a Critical Situation

Thanks to the support received thus far through the GoFundMe platform and messaging apps, we have been able to provide Isabela with assistance since November. These funds, including more than $500 in support received in June and over $300 raised within three hours of inaugurating our GoFundMe campaign in May, have made a remarkable impact on Isabela's life. Together, we have achieved the following milestones in just a few short months of intentional international trans community aid:

...And Helps Us Rewrite History

It is not only possible for trans women of color to achieve stability in Brazil but to also thrive creatively, politically, and academically. Take Erika Hilton, for example, a 30-year-old Brazilian politician and activist for black and LGBT rights who was elected in 2023 to Brazil’s House of Representatives. Erika Hilton, alongside other inspirational figures like musical artist Linn da Quebrada, serves as a shining example of what Isabela can achieve given the right level of stability and opportunity.

Image of Erika Hilton, one of two of the first openly transgender people elected into the National Congress of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies.

Isabela Motta, like many other transgender individuals, possesses remarkable potential and dreams. As a compassionate woman with a keen eye for helping others feel incredible in their skin, Isabela aspires to become an author and stylist one day. With your support, we can help Isabela access the stability she needs to overcome the challenges she currently faces and pursue her passions, following in the footsteps of trailblazers like Erika Hilton.

Your contribution to this fundraiser not only makes a difference in Isabela's life but also plays a role in rewriting the narrative of what is possible for transgender individuals around the world. Together, we can help create a future where all people, regardless of their gender identity or background, can thrive and make a positive impact.

Our Gratitude Knows No Bounds

I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for your time, care, and energy. We are immensely thankful for your generous support and for taking the time to read this heartfelt message. It has been truly inspiring to witness the power of community transcending geographical boundaries and uniting queer communities across hemispheres.

Please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser. Together, we can make a difference and bring stability to Isabela's critical situation. Funds will be securely dispersed via Banco do Brasil and PIX. Thank you immensely for your kind consideration and unwavering generosity. The queer and trans communities in New York and São Paulo extend their deepest appreciation for your dedication, attention, and commitment to uplifting this transformative community work.

With Love and Appreciation,

Isabella and Isabela

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