We are raising money for our lovely friend Ruby-Kale, a trans non-binary immigrant from the US, who was recently diagnosed with a degenerative spinal condition (two herniated discs pressing into the central nerve). Currently they have limited mobility and are losing certain movements in their right leg and with chronic pain.

As a freelance performance artist, they are dependent on their body to work, pay for rent, food, and other living expenses.

Ruby is a vital force in Berlin's queer nightlife and performance spheres. They are an active contributor and cheerleader, known for expressive and bold genre-bending work that is unmistakably their own. Ruby is an electric performer whose energy radiates outward, drawing others in to share vulnerable and powerful collective moments. Help us send that energy back their way and support them while they recover and prepare to take the stage again.

The doctors predicted that Ruby will need at least two months before returning to work in manual labor. We are raising money in order to make sure that Ruby can afford their rent, food, insurance, and treatment costs for the next few months.

More details on the medical journey:

On January 8th, our dear friend Ruby-Kale started experiencing debilitating back pain where they could not walk more than 20 meters. This pain put them in the emergency room twice and then went through a series of seeing nine different doctors finally getting answers to their pain. After a long two-week process, they were able to find a medical provider that listened to them and was able to determine that they have two herniated discs that are blocking part of their spinal column (spinal stenosis) which have prevented them from walking without pain.

Ruby will undergo a series of injections in their back that will help them to be able to walk and work again. Unfortunately, they are not physically able to work for the months of January and February, at a minimum.

We are hoping that the injections will give them long-term relief and that Ruby will be able to get back to work within two months. Although, the doctor has explained that the injections could only help with the pain and immobility temporarily. If that should be the case, Ruby might have to have a spinal surgery, which would require more recovery time of 3-4 months.

Ruby’s VISA renewal approaches this year. The current administration in the US inhibits a safe quality of life for trans bodies, specifically in Florida, where they are from. Going back to the US is not an option. Their safety depends on maintaining good standing VISA status in Germany. Applying for any government support carries a high risk of negatively impacting their upcoming VISA renewal application and being used against their case in a future application for citizenship. This makes applying for unemployment money or other social support from the state not an option. This is why we are asking our community for support.

We would love to send you a small token of gratitude for your support. If you would like to receive something, please make sure to provide us with your postal address upon contributing to this fundraiser.

We are grateful for any help that we can get.

Love,

MJ, Ari & Robin