Dear friend,

We, the Kazakhstani transgender initiative Alma-TQ, are starting a fundraiser for organizing a T*Home shelter for trans people in Kazakhstan and trans migrants from other countries.

Over the past few years, transgender people in Kazakhstan have been living through difficult times. First the COVID-19 pandemic and now the ongoing War in Ukraine. Since the war began there has been an influx of migrants into Kazakhstan, especially after Putin announced mobilization in Russia. This has significantly worsened the economic situation in the country, which disproportionately affects trans people. The worsened economic situation for the trans community in Kazakhstan is symptomatic of the existing high level of transphobia, embedded in discriminatory legislation, which results in lower incomes and makes trans people susceptible to other forms of violence.

In connection with migration from Russia, the cost of rental housing has doubled and at times tripled. Prices for essential products have increased significantly and continue to grow, but the level of income in the country has remained the same. Because of this transgender people have faced loss of housing due to increased pricing and the inability to find trans-friendly landlords. The deteriorating economic situation has affected the price of food and many have had to choose between various necessities. This fund would also support migrants who are also transgender and who are looking for a safer city to live in.

Every week our organization receives appeals from trans people throughout Central Asia and Russia, who leave their countries due to hostile laws against LGBT people. Trans and the broader LGBT communities in Russia and Central Asia are completely invisibilized by the term “migrant” or “relocator.” There is a lack of consideration for the various human experiences that fall under the category or figure of “the migrant.”

The T*Home Shelter is a temporary shelter for transgender people who find themselves in a difficult situation. The T*shelter will not only provide a place of shelter but it will be a place where the trans community can access medical specialists.

Together with the trans volunteers from Kazakhstan and trans migrants, we have already begun cleaning and repairing the house for the shelter. We start this fund to make repairs in a house, purchase furniture, and also support housing in the first year of its operation by paying rent and utilities for the house.

In the process of gathering and organizing the shelter, we will share new information and reports with you.

We will be happy and grateful for any support and benefit in the solidarity and strength of communities and allies.

Peace for everyone!

Alma-TQ