Urgent Aid for Trans Women Refugees Facing Hunger and Danger

Hi, my name is Jean-Daniel Nicol, also known on TikTok as PUNKLE JD, a disabled 54 year old former transportation worker and a lifelong musician from Quebec, Canada.

We, a group of friends, put this GoFundMe together on behalf of the inspiring Hwn Pretty and five of her fellow trans refugee women. Hwn and I have met a few months ago through the LGBTQ online volunteering community. We have spent many hours since talking face to face trough different apps, and she instantly impressed me with her leadership qualities and willingness to help others even when she herself is in need of help.

Since South Soudan is not a country on the small list of countries GoFundMe operates in, the co-sponsors of this campaign will make sure all funds are directed to Hwn and her friends, as soon as they are made available, directly via Mobile Money.

As for the reasons why Hwn and her friends need the funds and how they will be put to use (food, shelter, medications, clean water, hygiene needs) they are simple, but of the utmost importance and best resumed in one word: Survival.

Let's now let Hwn tell you the bulk of her and her friends' story herself.

JD

Hello, my name is Hwn Pretty.

I am a 30-year-old trans woman currently living as a refugee in the Gorom refugee camp in South Sudan.

I need to raise funds for myself as well as five other fellow trans women who are fighting for survival under extremely difficult conditions.

We fled Uganda where we were facing daily violence, discrimination, and threats to our lives because of our gender identity.

Unfortunately, life in the refugee camp is not much safer.

Every day, we endure homelessness, hunger, physical danger, and discrimination.

We have no access to stable housing, safe food supplies, or basic healthcare — including the hormone therapy we need for our physical and mental wellbeing.

Also, no one will hire us because we are transgender.

Even though some employers are sympathetic to our situation, they fear that repercussions could arise from some customers if they hire transgender workers.

A few days ago, we received our latest update: we must now leave the refugee camp because the government stopped the aid to the LGBTQ Community, so the small incentive the camp had to keep us is not there anymore.

Our situation:

* We sleep outdoors with no shelter, exposed to the rain and to the harsh conditions of south Sudan.

* We often go days without sufficient food or clean water.

* We face harassment and violence simply for being who we are.

* There is no access to safe employment or any form of income because of discrimination.

* Healthcare is extremely limited, especially when it comes to transgender needs.

* We need to relocate as fast as possible.

What we are fundraising for:

We are seeking $6,500 to cover essential needs to the survival and wellbeing of six trans women refugees:

* $1,500 for urgent relocation

* $1,500 for food (groceries and basic meals)

* $1,500 for shelter, potentially for rent

* $1,000 for access to hormones and essential medications

* $1,000 for clean water, sanitation supplies, and hygiene needs

Every dollar raised will go directly to helping us survive, stay healthy, and rebuild our lives with dignity and hope.

Our dreams and hopes for our future:

* Find safety and protection from violence

* Secure the most fundamental human rights: food, shelter, healthcare

* Access life-saving medications and transition support

* Eventually find resettlement in a country where we can live free from persecution

Your support is not just about helping with basic survival. It’s also a clear message; Your support means that we matter, that our lives have value, and that kindness can reach even the harshest corners of the world.

I am willing to share my photos and updates to bring visibility to the struggles trans refugees face. You can find me on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter under the name Hwn Pretty.

Thank you for taking the time to let us share our story and thank you for standing with us.

Hwn Pretty,

South Sudan