Hello! My name is Andy Brennan. I am a trans man currently living with my sibling, Qwill, in Boise Idaho. As many of you may know, there are growing concerns for our trans community members, including myself and my sibling, with the passing of Idaho's discriminatory bathroom bill (HB 752), along with other political moves to target trans individuals.

I have lived in Idaho my entire life and several years ago I thought that I was seeing real progress in Boise regarding the acceptance of our community; but with current events and a warning from the Lemkin Institute for Genocide prevention and Human security to the trans people of America, we have decided to try to do what is safest for ourselves and are planning to relocate to Portland, Oregon at the beginning of August.

We are in contact with a fantastic organization called WERQ Together, stationed in Portland. They are going to assist us with settling in (finding housing, a job, a community... etc.). We have been told that a good savings goal for our move will be around $3,000 usd; but we will need the help of our community to make our funding goal.

Due to the increased state protections, job connections, and thriving queer community, I feel as though we can live a real life in Portland. We are excited to have had such positive interactions with our connection through WERQ. I have already been experiencing a strong sense of belonging from just a few conversations with those in Portland, along with an excitement around potential job opportunities to work with a queer-led organization.

Thank you so much for your time and donations. These are the times when we all truly are leaning on our community for emotional balance, safety, and sometimes survival. We are grateful to have people still fighting in Idaho for their trans friends and family members. Thank you.