Hi, I’m Lina Bembe — a Berlin-based performer and filmmaker — trying to get through a long-overdue surgery with care, dignity, and enough stability to heal fully.

I hope to have surgery in early July — a hysterectomy — to address ongoing issues that have been affecting my physical health, energy, and body image. I only recently learned that a visible change in my body, one I’ve been quietly struggling with for a while, is connected to a large fibroid. Coming to terms with that has been complex, especially in work that depends so much on how I look and feel in my body.

It’s taken years to finally access adequate medical care. But after a long road of pushing through medical neglect and advocating for myself, I’m now on track to get the treatment I’ve needed for a long time.

Why I’m Asking for Support

While the surgery itself is covered by German public insurance, I won’t have access to most of my income during recovery. I’ll receive a small portion of support through one of my jobs but the bulk of what I rely on, especially from freelance and moderate-to-intense physical work, won’t be covered.

As a migrant and a sex worker in Germany, I fall outside of many safety nets that most people take for granted. There’s no guaranteed support system to catch me while I rest, recover, or pause. That’s why I’m asking for direct, community support.

What Your Support Will Cover

I expect to need about 6 to 8 weeks to recover, during which I won’t be able to work. I’m hoping to raise €4,800–€5,000 to cover basic living costs:

This is a tough thing to ask. Like many of us, I’ve internalized the idea that I should somehow handle everything alone, even when that’s not realistic. But I also believe in strength in vulnerability, and I’m choosing to ask because I want to get through this without burning out or putting my health further at risk.

How You Can Help

Thank you for helping me rest with dignity and recover without fear.

Lina

Berlin, 2025