We're asking for your support to help our beloved friend and community member, Louie Norman, remain in Canada.

Louie resides in Victoria, BC, where he works for a local theatre company and performs in the local drag scene under the pseudonym Ket Bush. His tireless dedication to Victoria's vibrant arts community cannot be overstated, and his creative presence inspires everyone fortunate enough to know him or experience his art.

Originally from the UK, Louie moved to Canada a few years ago on a temporary work permit. Unfortunately, this permit expires in July of 2026, meaning he will lose the ability to work legally and faces possible deportation unless he can secure permanent residency (PR) before it expires.

Louie is incredibly humble and reluctant to ask for help, but we understand how important it is that he remains in Canada, which is why we're asking on his behalf. Not only has Louie built a life, career and arts practice in Victoria surrounded by chosen family who love him, but Louie has greater access to gender-affirming care, mental health services and a base quality of life that he did not believe he would get to experience in his lifetime when he lived in the UK. The world is becoming increasingly hostile towards transgender individuals, and while Canada is no exception to this unsettling reality, it remains a safer and healthier environment for trans people to live than where Louie grew up.

The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward Louie's permanent residency application. We've set the fundraising goal slightly higher than the estimated costs (by approximately $200) to account for GoFundMe's transaction fees. Exceeding the fundraiser target will give Louie some peace of mind should he reach the end of his visa and be unable to work legally while trying to secure residency.

The Canadian PR process is points-based, and Louie's predicted points are on the cusp of the lowest scores being selected from the pool of applicants. The majority of the fund ($2500) will go toward application fees and other related expenses. Some of the fund ($800) will be allocated towards legal expenses or professional support to help make their application as air-tight as possible.

If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser far and wide! Louie is racing against time, as he must complete and submit his application before the end of the year. As a community, let's unite to help lighten his burden and show him just how deeply loved and appreciated he is.

(This fundraiser was created by Avery and Dakota, in case you're wondering who the ambiguous "we" might be. Louie is a dear friend who lights up our lives with his incredible wisdom, absurd British humour, and unhealthy obsession with baked beans.)