Hi i'm Nova. I'm a queer performer, artist and overall cutie pie from Mexico. Over the past 6 months, I have been living my absolute best life in Berlin, having found such beautiful and welcoming communities that have brought me in and supported my growth and development.

Whilst I finally started finding my sense of security and comfort, I recently received the news that my visa application has been rejected, and I have been ordered to leave Germany and the whole Schengen Area within 10 days. As you can imagine, I am shocked, devastated and deeply confused as to why this decision was made, as I had all the necessary documents and requirements to stay. With the threat of having my passport taken away, I had to accept their terms, and now I have to plan what to do next.

Berlin was not just a new beginning for me; it was also an opportunity for me to feel safe in finally being able to exist amongst others that would not only accept my sexuality and gender without the fear of shame, judgement or physical violence but also support me and the work I do as a performer.

I am from a state in Southern Mexico called Chiapas, where violence against the LGBTQ+ community is a daily experience. Simply living life as a queer person meant that my safety was in a constant state of being threatened.

As a struggling queer immigrant artist living in Berlin, I have been dependent on receiving performing jobs to sustain covering the cost of living. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to save any money however, I had a variety of jobs lined up that was going to allow me to live a bit more comfortably for the next 2 months.

With the shock of being deported, I can no longer perform or work in Berlin; therefore, I need to find other ways to earn money and FAST. Returning to Mexico is just no option for me as I fear for my safety and cannot imagine finding viable means of income in the work that I do.

My best option is to go to London to try and sort out my visa application. Asking for help isn't easy for me, especially as I see myself as very independent and have been able to overcome so many obstacles in the past. I am now in a very desperate situation and therefore asking for help from all my friends, loved ones and anyone who has enjoyed my performances.

The money I wish to raise will go towards:

This is an absolute nightmare of a situation that no one should have to be put through. I am incredibly blessed and grateful to everyone who has shaped my time here in Berlin. I really believe we will be able to be reunited again, as there is no way that Nova Duh is going out without a fight! I love you all mis chiquitos ricos!