Homeless Black Trans Refugee Needs Housing Funds

Alexa is a Barbadian transgender woman who came to Canada in 2019 as a refugee because of her identity. Having grown up as a Mormon, she is isolated from her home community/family and their resources because they do not support her transition.

Unfortunately, the Canadian government and Ontario Works have failed to provide Alexa with safe housing or finances. When I met her, she only received about $300 from Ontario Works which barely covers food and transportation for a few weeks. She was placed in an abusive housing situation with another refugee who is transphobic and actively harasses her. He would regularly shut her out or block her access to the apartment unit. Her case workers have been hard to reach and dismissive of her pleas. As a result, Alexa became homeless. 

Alexa also has recurring issues with her mental health and combined with her living issues in Canada, she sought out help from CAMH and The 519 and yet again was left empty handed, without support, or even diagnostic clarity. She also deals with daily harassment because of her race and her physical appearance (being “clocked” for being transgender). 

Last month, Alexa found temporary housing and donations thanks to help from our Toronto queer community. However, her stay at the current place is coming to an end in just weeks and she is in need of funds to pay for a new room until she finds stable employment. 

Alexa does not want to end up homeless and without community support again. She often contemplates detransitioning and returning to Barbados because of how terrible her circumstances have been in Canada. No doubt, this country has failed her. 

We are asking for $20,000 to cover Alexa’s housing and living expenses for the next two years. $10,000 per year. This country let’s down both refugees and trans people regularly. If you really care about the well being of trans black women then please donate. All money is going to Alexa personally.