I am 28 years old. I grew up in these neighborhoods, I went to school here, and I built my career here as a social worker to give back to the community that raised me. My wife and I have our entire support system here—our friends, our chosen family, and our roots. But for the first time in 28 years, my home is telling me I am no longer welcome. The wave of anti-trans laws in Tennessee has reached a breaking point. The state’s new mandate to track and publish our medical data feels like a betrayal of the privacy and safety every Tennessean deserves. As a trans woman of color, I know that staying isn't just a risk to my privacy; it’s a risk to my life. Leaving is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. We aren't just moving for a new job or a change of scenery—we are fleeing. We are walking away from our support system and the only life we’ve ever known because the state has made it impossible for us to stay and thrive.

As two transgender women living in Tennessee, we have watched the walls close in on our community. For years, we’ve built our lives here—I serve our community as a social worker, and my wife works hard as a prep cook with a huge passion for food science and all things food. We love what we do, but the state we call home is no longer safe for us. Tennessee has passed a wave of anti-trans legislation, but the final straw for us is the new bill that mandates the collection and potential publication of transgender health data. This isn’t just about politics anymore; it is a direct threat to our privacy, our medical autonomy, and our physical safety. We cannot wait any longer. We need to leave Tennessee to find a state where we can live without being tracked or targeted by our own government.

Our lease is up on July 31st, and we are racing to secure enough funds to get out. As a social worker and a prep cook, our savings have always been modest. We don't have the "escape fund" required to move across state lines, pay for a U-Haul, and cover the massive deposits for a new home in a safer state. Your support will go directly toward: The Escape—moving truck, fuel, and travel costs. The Landing—security deposits and first month's rent in a safe harbor state. Survival—a small cushion to cover groceries and bills while we re-establish our licenses and jobs. Any amount you can contribute helps us get one step closer to a life where we don't have to live in fear. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing our story. Thank you for seeing us, supporting us, and helping us reach safety. Your support means more than we can put into words. This transition is scary, but knowing we have people in our corner makes the road ahead feel a lot less lonely. You are helping us reclaim our safety and our future. We’ll keep you updated on our journey!