Jessica is a clothier, graphic designer, and video editor from rural Alabama who's been going through a journey of self discovery which has lead her to identifying as trans.

Aster is a parent, business owner, and activist who identifies as genderfluid.

We've been friends since we met at work and talked about sandwiches for the entire break.

Fast forward 2 years and we're looking at the stark reality of 2 queer people living in the middle of a deeply MAGA area with few resources, protections, and legislation being pushed to harm us.

Aster has had threats of drive bys and other harm in public along with gunshots at their home and car.

Jessica's been facing discrimination in the workplace, including harassment and threatening phone calls, with the crimes against both of us having been essentially dropped by the police after little to no investigation.

While we've taken proactive steps to make ourselves safer such as limiting social media exposure and saving up by moving in together, there's only so much 2 people- one of whom is a parent- can do in this world.

And so, we've determined to move to Minnesota.

Jessica has multiple friends who live in the state, and it is often praised for being a safe haven for LGBT+ people in the US.

If you're wondering why a trans person might be terrified right now, try checking out this video Jessica made a few weeks back with the Swag News Team.

We've done the math and, with a little bit of margin for unforeseen expenses and fees, we are looking to raise $8,500.

This would cover 3 month's rent for the average 2 bedroom apartment, a moving truck, gas for Jess's car and the moving truck, some initial groceries, moving supplies, and activating utilities.

Although we know it's a large amount, any help to bring our strange little family to a safer place would be forever appreciated.