I’m sharing my personal story with you.

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Dear Friend,

My name is Ishalaa Ortega. Today, I’m sharing my personal story with you to expose the injustice trans immigrants face every day. To celebrate the resilience and bravery of LGBTQ refugees. And to encourage you to support queer and trans asylum seekers this Giving Tuesday.

Before I tell my story, I wanted to share with you the good news-- a generous donor has pledged to match whatever you give,Friend, now through #GivingTuesday on Tuesday, November 29th!

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This means your gift will be DOUBLED, and go to work right away to defend and protect LGBTQ and HIV-positive refugees.









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Donate Now & Double Your Impact!

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As an LGBTQ rights organizer in Mexico, I led protests against a powerful anti-LGBTQ politician. I faced backlash for speaking out and started receiving death threats. As a trans woman and activist, the only way to survive was to flee the country.

I requested asylum at the U.S. border, where border patrol agents locked me away in immigration detention. Multiple guards groped me to see if I had “male” or “female” anatomy. They placed me with the male population, where I was harassed and humiliated.

After two months, I was released, but I was still at risk of being deported to Mexico. Thankfully, Immigration Equality’s lawyers fought my deportation and won my asylum case. They protected me from danger and opened the doors for me to rebuild my life in the U.S.

Friend, your Giving Tuesday gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar and go directly to defending the safety and humanity of LGBTQ refugees just like me.

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After winning asylum, I moved to New York City to pursue my dreams.

During the day, I served as a health care coordinator for people living with HIV and other chronic conditions, and at night, I attended university. I’m proud to say that this spring, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree!

In August, I celebrated another huge step forward in my life: I was sworn in as a U.S. citizen! Immigration Equality helped make this possible, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

Please, join me in supporting Immigration Equality this #GivingTuesday-- together we can help other LGBTQ refugees like me turn their dreams into reality! Thank you, Friend.

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Your friend,



Ishalaa Ortega

LGBTQ Activist, Artist, and Asylum Winner

Immigration Equality is a registered 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 13-3802711) and a proud participant in the Combined Federal Campaign (member number 40016). All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

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