Five transgender Jamaicans who allegedly fled the island for the United States, are now the face of a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise US$25,000 (J$3,550,000) to help them gain their footing in the first world country.
The account, which was started by a friend identified as Vaughan Butler Higgins, is hoping to raise funds for the transgender individuals known as Kyym, Emani, Mx, Donique, and Aedin. The description on the crowd-funding page said the five people seeking assistance lost their jobs in their home country, were kicked out of multiple homes, and were suffering from a discrimination and a lack of protection laws for their kind.
“They are seeking better, safer lives here in the US. They are currently placed in a shelter for undocumented immigrants until they are granted refugee status, and as they start their lives over in NYC, this will go toward helping them afford their necessities before they are legally allowed to earn money here (in the US),” the description on the GoFundMe account read.
“If you are able to help in any way with the items below please let me know,” it continued, begging for support with housing arrangements, legal services, clothes, food, transportation and medication.
One of the transgender individuals for whom the account was setup, took to Instagram on Tuesday to express gratitude for people who have donated so far. Since the page was launched, the account has raised more than US$4000 or just over J$560,000, according to a report.
“I thank everyone in advance who is standing with us in solidarity and helping us to get to where we are going. As we now plan to settle — and as life has it — I am now in need with my family,” the account belonging to Kyym Savage posted. “If you are able to help in any way with the items below please let me know. In love, light & liberation.”
