A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for five transgender Jamaicans, who claim they “fled” Jamaica for us by crossing the border from Mexico, to lift money to help with their food and living expenses within the North American country.

The crowdfunding campaign, founded by an admirer by the name of Vaughan Butler Higgins, is seeking to lift US$25,000 to assist with their expenses as they begin their lives over in big apple City.

One of the transgender people called Kyym Savage took to Instagram on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to “everyone beforehand who is standing with us in solidarity and helping us to urge where we are going”.

“As we now decide to settle — and as life has it — I’m now in need with my family,” shared Kyym Savage, who goes by the pronouns she, her, they, and them.

In sharing screenshots of the GoFundMe page and its details, the Jamaican asked followers to help with housing support, legal services, clothes, food, and transportation, among other things.

The campaign had, up to Tuesday afternoon, raised near US$4,000.

Writing on the GoFundMe page under the title: “Help Trans Jamaican Artists Gain Footing within the USA”, Higgins said he was raising funds on behalf of Kym, Emani, Mx, Donique, and Aideen, “who, after a lifetime of challenges in Jamaica, fled their country for us by crossing the border from Mexico — a journey they’re lucky to possess survived”.

Higgins said: “From recently losing their jobs and being kicked out of multiple homes, to an overall lack of opportunity for Trans people in Jamaica because of discrimination and 0 protection laws, they’re seeking better, safer lives here within the US.”

According to Higgins, the Jamaicans are currently in a shelter for undocumented immigrants until they’re granted refugee status.

He said that as they begin their lives over in NY City, the funds will go toward helping them afford their necessities before they’re legally allowed to earn money within the country.

“If you’re ready to help in any way with the things below, please let me know: housing support, legal services, clothes, food, transportation, medication, and HRTs,” he stated.

Despite these current needs, Higgins said the Jamaicans are available for employment and their resumes are often made available upon request.

“They are brilliant artists and professionals, and also the most deserving people I’ve ever met. All of them worked as activists, organizers, and activists in Jamaica, creating space for the rights of Trans, Gender Non-Conforming and Non-Binary folks to not just survive but thrive,” Higgins wrote.

“The work they’ve done has done plenty to vary the country, but it clearly still has ways to travel,” Higgins added.

“Anything you’ll offer would be greatly appreciated,” Higgins concluded.