We’ve come to one of the hardest decisions of our lives: we need to leave the United States. Not because we want to. Not because we don’t love our home. But because staying here has become dangerous for us.

We’re a disabled (Jen) and trans (Chris) couple and we’ve faced more than our share of challenges. But lately, things have taken a darker turn. Chris has experienced multiple frightening and potentially violent encounters, even in supposedly “liberal” Los Angeles. Laws are being proposed that could strip him of healthcare and even citizenship. Some politicians have openly called for trans people to be treated as threats to society. The climate is shifting fast, and we fear what’s coming next.

Jen has lived with MS for over 20 years, along with other serious health conditions. Despite being 100% disabled, her access to healthcare is now at risk.

We never imagined being forced to leave everything we know. But we’re choosing hope. We’re choosing safety. We’re choosing each other. This New Year, we’ll be starting fresh in Germany. The silver lining in all of this is we can now get married without any reduction in Jen’s benefits.

We’ve sold what we could, saved every penny, and worked nonstop to make this happen. But we’re still short. If you’re able to donate or share our story, it would mean the world to us. Every bit helps us get closer to a life where we can simply exist without fear.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and standing with us.