Thousands of transgender members of our community have fled their hometowns, and dear relations to escape. While this is an act of desperate survival, it is individuals like Petra who most of all must be relocated, and affectionately sheltered. Petra is an Afro-Latina trans woman of Puerto Rico heritage. In an era of erasing anti trans political animus, vigilant ICE, and crushing systemic brutality against black women Petra is targeted multilaterally by barrel’s end of the U.S.’ governmental systems. Petra is a fantastic leader, and compassionate protector who more than anyone reminds me of the name of Sade’s album ‘Soldier of Love’. Petra has given endlessly in the passion of equitable uplifting to the transgender community in its entirety. Having witnessed this in her shared efforts in her hometown, and where she makes new-growth roots this has compelled me to write in cheer, and call to action regarding this marvelous woman’s welfare.

Petra’s current living is mired by bare survival. Having fled increased systemic anti trans policies, and ICE whose racially motivated kidnapping is set loose by the Supreme Court, Petra is now in the PNW shuffling around temporary accommodations. Our beloved sister isn’t home: and currently how she lives is not securing the new life needed to find home once more.

Cruelly Petra was in process of moving to the next ally residence to take her in when her car was stolen, the found – but in an utterly totaled state. The absolutely down pouring impact this has to Petra’s quality of life and opportunities cannot be overstated: this reinforces the alienation (or outright impossibility) of her accessing new community, new social resources, potential jobs, and autonomy of mobility to avoid ICE as the egregiously finically infused agency stalks across the country. Please be a critical part in protecting Petra. Allies, she deserves a far better welcoming to her new home, her new life than this. We need her leadership, help her rise.

Zara X