Several years ago, Alana, a Latina transgender woman in New Orleans and a BreakOUT! volunteer, chose transitioning over employment, believing she would forever be unemployable as a transgender woman. BreakOUT! is helping get Alana back on her feet and needs *your* help to tell employers that transgender women can be about both beauty *and* business!

Who is Alana*?

Alana is a Latina transgender woman in New Orleans and a BreakOUT! volunteer. Alana came to the United States in February 1978 when she was three years old and has been a legal Permanent Resident of this country all of her life. She worked and lived as a successful man until a few years ago when she gave everything up in order to be her true self.

Alana says, “Ever since my transition, I have lost the courage to utilize my skills that I have honed for over a decade because of discrimination and fear. But speaking to [BreakOUT!] gave me a renewed outlook on my life and career goals.”

Why does she need our support?

Unfortunately, during a difficult time in her life, Alana lost her federal identification card (also known as a Permanent Resident Card) and it has since expired. Although she’s ready to look for a full-time job, Alana is unemployable and can’t even get a social security card because she needs to have physical proof of residency to obtain one, without which she can’t find a job anywhere.

Alana says, “I have been barely scraping by on very little income and just cannot seem to come up with anything real to put toward the fees.” And while she is still here legally, she says, “I have to be extra careful not to get deported or be deprived on my rights.”

Where will my money go?

The Congress of Day Laborers and the Worker’s Center for Racial Justice helped us identify our fundraising goals. We’ll need:

$365 to cover the filing fee for an I-90

$85 to cover the biometrics services

$10 to cover the cost of a passport photo = $460

Help us get Alana back on her feet and show employers that transgender women can be about both beauty and business!

Alana adds:

“I come to you humbly and respectfully for assistance to move on in several areas of my life. Thank you very much for your consideration in this matter!”

Photo courtesy of Alana.

*Name changed to respect privacy.