Updated Nov 2026: Hey all. Given how the year has gone, we've opened this fundraiser again and we really appreciate your support. The short of it is that Tara's previous job offer fell through and we've been on free fall for the last 6 months. Em also burned out and has become unable to work. We're almost out of money, so any support we can get will be essential to make it through the next few months. Please spread far and wide!
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Hey friends!
Me (Em) and my fiancée (Tara) are reaching out to our support network as well as the LGBTQIA+ community at large in a call for support.
Our Situation
We’re Global South refugees displaced by the Trump administration. We’ve been trying to obtain a permanent residence in Europe for the past year—a long, complicated process. Our savings are running very low and we need help in order to cover our winter expenses.
What We’re Asking For: #1 - Donations
These are the expenses that we’re hoping to be able to cover by fundraising:
- 2,000€ to cover rent, groceries and medications; Tara (currently in tourist status) does not have access to health insurance to cover her HRT and depression/anxiety meds, so that is out of pocket.
- 600€ to cover our marriage expenses (imperative for our immigration process). Broadly, Tara is also looking at some hefty sums to the French government in figuring out her visa, which is accounted for in the overall raised money
- 2,000€ to get through finding our own place—something we’re hoping to be in a position of doing soon. This involves moving costs, paying short term rent, upfront lease signing costs, finding furniture and equipment, and much more.
Any help, no matter how little, would go a long way to make the coming months less precarious.
Additional context: We’re counting on one of Tara’s job offers turning into actual employment to be able to finally transition into stable housing, but that is a big if: were things to fall through we’ll be in serious trouble. This is why we’re asking for your help, especially as Tara’s prior job opportunity falling through earlier this year is how we have landed in this situation.
What We’re Asking For: #2 - Connections & Networking
If you work in the book publishing industry and have any professional contacts in that field, please reach out. We’re on the hunt for networking opportunities that may help us obtain employment.
Our focus is in Europe, but we’re willing to move if necessary (e.g. Em is open to the UK, potentially.) Please feel free to contact us even if it’s just to brainstorm, we’d be happy to share a CV and discuss further.
Em's Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ema-acosta/
Thank you for your time, attention, and support.