We are a small group of friends raising funds for one of our community members, a Black, queer, immigrant, human rights journalist, currently facing tremendous financial precarity after a recent illness. Low wage work, unemployment, and eviction for immigrants without permanent residency in Canada is a particularly dangerous situation, as their destitution can revoke their legal status in the country.

In order to provide them with the security, rest, and resources that they deserve, we are establishing this fund for our friend, who has chosen to publicly remain anonymous, to hopefully collect rolling donations that can help them back on their feet until they can secure stable, living wage employment.

Our initial goal, or 'checkpoint,' is $3000, which will cover urgent expenses, including two months of rent, overdue phone and internet bills, a visit to the optometrist and new pair of glasses, and a new phone battery. If we're lucky to exceed this goal, all funds will be directed to remaining debts that they are paying off, following an update to the campaign.

Below is our friend's reflection on their current circumstances and outlining their needs.

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I came to Canada as an international student. As a queer person who faced a lot of discrimination in my home country, I came here seeking refuge and acceptance. To support myself and pay living expenses—and the high tuition costs of being an international student—I worked low-wage, part-time jobs while I was also partially supported by my family back home. However, my family, who are deeply religious, recently found out I was queer, and no longer offer me financial support.

After graduating, I managed to stay afloat through paid internships, but since those ended, I’ve been scrambling for stable employment. In January I had to deal with an illness that forced me to take a break from work completely, during which, a lot of bills started piling up, and I’m still struggling to pay these off.

At this point, to keep myself afloat, I work from morning to night, doing freelance journalism and part-time jobs on the side. My journalism is very human rights and community-focused—I try to tell the stories and uplift voices of marginalized groups, such as immigrants, BIPOC people, the unhoused, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Unfortunately, freelancing is low-paying, precarious work and, while I seek a stable, long-term job, it hasn’t been enough to pay off all the bills I’ve owed since January, while also trying to survive in the meantime. Usually, during times like these, people turn to family to financially assist them. I unfortunately don’t have that option, and so I’m turning to anyone in the community who’d be willing to support in any way

Being far away from home, with few close relations here, and no financial support from family has been terrifying, and I’ve dealt with a lot of anxiety and mental health issues as a result. But I’m trying my best to persevere. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I look to survive and work to find stability in the coming months. I’ll make sure to send a personalized thank you to everyone who donates.

Thank you so much. Much love.

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