Here's the TL:DR - Our friend CJ is trans and in Texas. Texas is becoming an increasingly more dangerous place for LGBTQ+ people, and recent legislation is directly threatening CJ’s life. All funds are directly for the move, cause BEING TRANS IN TEXAS IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN LIVING IN PHILLY Here are the upsetting details - It's disheartening to acknowledge that we now live in a world where there are gender refugees. On June 2, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott signed a law in Texas that prevents transgender kids from accessing essential gender-affirming care. While this movement focuses on a small population of children, it disregards the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the United States. The consequences of this law became evident even before it reached the governor's desk. At Dell Children’s Medical Group in Austin, patients and parents, regardless of their gender identity, were devastated by these unintended outcomes. Doctors across the state, regardless of their specialty, who provide gender-affirming care are leaving their practices, fields, and even the state. CJ, our dear friend and longtime Texas resident, is directly feeling the impact of this legislation, and the situation has reached a critical point. CJ is a member of the trans community (and also an adult) who relies on licensed medical professionals for their gender-affirming care. Unfortunately, the specialist who plays a crucial role in CJ's medical needs, although not their gender-affirming care doctor but is a trans-competent physician, works with children who receive gender-affirming care. Due to this legislation, that specialist was forced to leave their practice. The specific details of CJ's medical needs are private, but my outrage over this disaster is not. CJ is now faced with a difficult choice: begin the difficult task of finding another trans-competent specialist who has the potential to leave the practice or state, or relocate to a state that upholds higher moral values. To support CJ, we have started a fundraiser to help them move from Texas to Philadelphia. The process has already begun. We have a move date, a reserved truck, and a friend who will fly down in August to assist CJ during the long drive to Philadelphia. However, we have encountered some financial setbacks that we could use your help with: • $3600 – Covers first month's rent, last month's rent, and security deposit. • $1200 – Covers out-of-pocket costs for three months of telehealth consultations with the necessary medical specialist. • $2000 – Covers moving costs, including van rental, gas, hotel stays, insurance, food, and incidentals. • $1200 – Covers basic furnishings for CJ's new apartment, such as a bed, couch, TV, and desk. • $1000 – Covers unexpected relocation costs or emergencies during the transition. Total cost estimate: $9000 CJ is not the first nor will they be the last gender refugee. Organizations like Equality Texas and Texas Pride Impact Fund are doing incredible work to support LGBTQ+ communities and fight against legislation that seeks to erase them. By making a small donation or sharing this fundraiser, you can help us get closer to our goal. All funds raised beyond $9000 will be directly donated to The Queer Texas Crisis Fund. Thank you for your support in helping CJ and contributing to a more inclusive and accepting world.
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