Help Trans Jamaican Artists Gain Footing in USA

Hi, I'm Vaughan and I'm raising funds on behalf of Kyym, Emani, Mx, Donique, and Aedin, who, after a lifetime of challenges in Jamaica, fled their country for the United States by crossing the border from Mexico - a journey they are lucky to have survived.

From recently losing their jobs and being kicked out of multiple homes, to an overall lack of opportunity for Trans people in Jamaica due to discrimination and zero protection laws, they are seeking better, safer lives here in the US. They are currently placed in a shelter for undocumented immigrants until they are granted refugee status, and as they start their lives over in NYC, this will go toward helping them afford their necessities before they are legally allowed to earn money here.

If you are able to help in any way with the items below please let me know.

Housing Support

Legal Services

Clothes

Food

Transportation

Medication & HRT's

They are able to work for cash, and their resumes can be sent upon request. They are brilliant artists and professionals, and the most deserving people I've ever met. All of them worked as activists, organizers, and artivists in Jamaica, creating space for the rights of Trans, Gender Non-Conforming and Non-Binary folks to not just survive but thrive. The work they've done has done a lot to change the country, but it clearly still has ways to go.

Anything you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. <3

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Update: THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of your donations and for sharing this effort. They are still in the process of gaining citizenship, and they were able to find jobs back in October but unfortunately that employer decided not to pay them for those months worth of work. Please continue to spread the word so we can help them secure basic living needs. Thank you!

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