hi, my name is niala and i am a black trans artist and community activist. in february 2024, i walked away from the most deteriorating chapter of my life- a physically and emotionally abusive relationship that almost cost me everything.

in july 2024, the stalking began and i was forced to change my number. that same month, another black trans woman shared online that she was also a victim of his abuse, and i learned that i was not the only one. this gave me the courage to come forward and publicly share my story. within 1 day, 25 others reached out to me directly to share their own personal accounts of his abuse. thankfully, the community united and banned him from several queer and trans spaces in nyc. but the truth is, i could sense that my visibility had placed me in more danger than before.

7 months later, in february 2025, i used the very last of my savings and privately fled to thailand, as it is one of the safest places in the world for trans people to exist. living here has been a transformative experience, but it has come with great financial sacrifice- not having access to any financial opportunities and not being able to obtain a longterm visa. i am currently in urgent need, i have exhausted all of my savings, and i have nothing left.

if it were the safest option, i would return home to the united states, but i am still being stalked and harrassed by my abuser. on january 17th 2026, i received a terrifying email from him. he also sent this same email to several of my friends, their workplace, and to multiple institutions that i have worked with. i am afraid for my safety and desperately need this time away from home to heal.

all donations will go directly towards:

• an education visa that will allow me to stay in thailand for another year

• housing/rent

• food

• clothes

• utilities

• essential care items

• household needs

• obtaining legal documents

• shipping my medication from america that is not available to me in thailand

• access to medical care because i have no health insurance here

• a laptop and additional work supplies

if you can amplify this post as much as you can, i would greatly appreciate it. i am beyond grateful for anything that you can contribute. if you have any connections to remote job opportunities, residencies, grants, or legal resources that can help keep me protected, that would also be very helpful. much love + gratitude