Rally for Giovannie: Legal Aid and Daily Needs

To everyone who loves Giovannie,

You may have already heard that on April 8, Gio got one of the most devastating news a person can get: her partner of 20+ years, Dennis Ruel, had passed away suddenly in his sleep.

This earth-shattering event came at a moment in Gio's life when she was already really struggling—and in fact, just the day before Den's passing, I'd gotten the green light from Gio to start this GoFundMe.

Here is what she has been dealing with these past few months, in her own words:

"After directing a project I poured so much of myself into—despite late payments, stalling, and undermining behavior—I’m now being discredited by the executive producer in what seems to be an attempt to avoid fulfilling her financial and contractual agreements. It feels deeply unfair and exhausting.

It’s been heartbreaking. I’ve been met with legal tactics that feel like they’re meant to drain, silence, or exhaust me.

So I’m calling in community. I’ve always tried to lead with love and resilience, to be the one others can lean on, the one who holds space and uplifts. But right now… I need to ask for a little help."

Let me translate: the wealthy woman who hired Giovannie to write and then direct a Filipina romance feature film based on this woman's own experiences is now wielding all her class and financial privilege to get out of paying Giovannie for her work, among other contractual duties. And when Gio stood up for herself—a very costly endeavor—the woman launched a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation as a creative. It's truly disgusting.

That's what was happening before Gio lost her biggest source of emotional and logistical support. Her collaborator and companion. Her rock.

I'm hoping we can pool together some funds not only to help her deal with the aforementioned legal fees and looming housing transitions, but also to help her and her kiddo feed themselves during a time when, as many of us know, the daily basics can feel like the biggest challenge.

Contribute here, or Venmo her directly if you prefer: @Giovannie-Espiritu

Aside from that — let's shower Gio with care and warmth now and in the weeks to come. She needs to know that she's not alone in any of this.

With love,

-Florencia.