My name is Santiago Iacinti (they/them). Today, Feb 17 I was scheduled to begin directing a week long workshop of a new play at The Kennedy Center. This WOULD HAVE BEEN my biggest career milestone to date. The play is by a Trans Indigenous Playwright and featured an all trans cast. This opportunity had been in the works for six months.

Just 10 days ago, the elected U.S. president D.T. announced his The Kennedy Center takeover. His reasoning “that Drag Shows at the KC was a danger to the youth.”

As an immigrant, DACA recipient, and DREAMER I immediately went into survival mode (…again) combing through every possible worst case scenario.

“What if he shows up? What if he tries make an example out of us? What if he attempts to arrest us for occupying a federal building? What if MAGA rioters show up? What if he tries to deport me?”

No matter how many things I have accomplished, I cannot live a day or make any decision without fear of consequences. I simply do not have the privilege to take uncalculated risks. As person of

color, as an immigrant and a trans person I

do not get second chances. Safety and comfort are never a given for me, in fact they are actually an elusive rarity.

As the news broke and the situation developed, it became clear very quickly that the Kennedy Center was not safe and their staff could not guarantee me or the team safety. I therefore could not ask collaborators to show up to a building in the immediate jurisdiction of D.T. The workshop/reading is no longer happening, at least not in D.C. or in the immediate future.

This is only part of the story. I recently applied for a Real ID. On the Real ID I requested the X gender marker. I paid and went through the entire process only for my new ID now be in limbo. Furthermore, because I am a DACA recipient rather than being issued an ID for 8 years, my ID will only be valid for 14 months. Extension past the next year will be contingent on my work authorization being renewed. Will it? Idk, D.T. has already targeted the DACA program in the past. What is stopping him from trying again?

It does not matter that I consistently perform at a high level. No amount of talent, resilience, or character changes the fact that in this country I am a target and I am vulnerable. I have lived this way for the last 30 years.

These funds will help me build an immigration/legal defense over the next 14 months. Expenses include:

-Consulting Immigration Lawyer.

-Applications Fees (DACA renewal, potential green card/VISA apps).

-Redo of Real ID.

-Emergency funds in case of displacement.