Help our friend! Rafaye, a trans Muslim activist!

Kia Ora whanau (families and friends),

We decided to reach out and help our treasured friend Rayfaye, as she such an inspiration, she helped support us and others. So in her time of need, we want to help her back. Rayfaye is a disabled Filipina trans Muslim Social Justice activist based in Tamaki Makauru/ Auckland. She is actively advocating for POC,migrant,refugee, Muslim, disabled/mentally ill/neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ communities in Tamaki Makaurau.

Following the event of March 15th, 2019, Rayfaye was the one that suggested that there should be a vigil. This would take place at Auckland Domain. She used her voice and collaborated with Muslim, disenfranchised,Tangata Whenua and social justice communities to raise awareness and fight against Islamophobia and Xenophobia following the Christchurch Mosque Shooting. She is one of the co-founders of FAIR: Foundation Against Islamophobia and Racism.

She has been empowering the lives of queer, trans and non-binary communities in Aotearoa/ New Zealand, as well as raising awareness of intersectional issues through social media. She established a queer Muslim support group called Rainbow Muslims Queer Qibla. In addition to that, Rayfaye has been fighting against ableism and mental health stigma in the healthcare system through education.

Rayfaye is such an inspiration for us, because she helps us during our mental health struggles. Yet, she is struggling with her own mental health battles too. Rayfaye has been disowned and driven out of her house by her own family when she came out as a transwoman and Muslim. Despite her financial contribution to her family’s rent, none of her family members currently support her through her struggles. Due to her history of family abuse, Rayfaye is suffering from PTSD as well as other physical conditions such as daily excruciating pain, frequent headaches, and dizziness.

Since she has been driven from her home, she is largely depending on Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) for benefits to provide food, rent, utilities and expenses that are very limited because of the high cost of living. Along with that, she is unemployed due to discrimination because of her disablities, mental illnesses and trans identity. By the start of next year, Rafaye has to move to another housing, which she needs approximately a minimum of $1000 for the rent + bond.

We kindly ask for any koha/ donation if possible to help our dear friend. Your support will not make a difference for Rayfaye’s life, but help her make a difference for the communities she advocates for. Although she struggles alot, she’s ashamed to ask for donations. So, we need your support.

Nga Minhi

Rafaye’s family