Support Maria After Unjust Job Termination

Hello friends.

On March 13th I was unexpectedly and discriminatorily terminated from my job with a Tennessee domestic/sexual violence services and prevention org. I received no notice and was never given any indication that my work was unsatisfactory, and was told I was being fired because my work was "not up to snuff" and "not able to pass peer review." I and all of my colleagues know the quality of my work and that this is not possibly the case. I was told that because I had made my employer aware that I planned to leave my position in the Fall that they didn't feel it was worth the time or effort to discuss improvements on my work or a work plan with me and that they felt it was just better to terminate me now since I was "already leaving."

Coincidentally (or not) I was the only staff member in an all staff meeting about a month ago to raise concerns about our organization's planned early compliance with discriminatory executive orders that would harm trans and queer folks as well as all marginalized survivors and would gut the efficacy of our work. I was in tears in that meeting, asking what this meant for me as the only trans person employed on a 24 person staff and was told that we "all have our own lines for when we need to leave."

Neither my supervisor nor the CEO (who she directly reports to) checked in on me in any way after that meeting or indicated any care or concern for my wellbeing.

I am working now on several options to pivot to my next opportunity and/or project. In the meantime I could use some community assistance. If you have any extra funds to share to help with household expenses, bills, and healthcare while I get my feet under me it would be much appreciated. I was the only full-time earner in my household at the moment, am losing my health insurance, and have multiple physical and mental disabilities as well as a significant amount of debt. Your help via sharing or contributing is appreciated more than you know.

With hope and in gratitude for the love of community despite it all,

Maria (they/she)