To everyone who is able to assist in this difficult time, our dear friend Tali who has been a tireless educator in many activist and solidarity communities has contracted COVID-19. Due to the paucity of available and accurate tests and based on testing negative for everything else (multiple flu strains, pneumonia, etc) and having textbook symptoms, the doctors told them to treat as COVID-19. Tali is immunocompromised and high risk in multiple categories and therefore needs to take the utmost precautions. There is a difficult recovery ahead of them. As a disabled, trans, Jew of Color, those of us that educate on ableism, transphobia, anti semitism, and racism owe Tali our unwavering support, especially considering how their incredible work that has upheld our activism.
Tali has run out of food at home and stores have been picked clean in their area. There are far fewer options for safe and affordable food delivery during this pandemic. Til date they have depended on the availability of low-cost pre-made food in grocery stores which has been significantly depleted in most places. Due to disability and their current health, there is no way to depend on cooking fresh meals. They are in an extremely vulnerable position that could cause their health to deteroriate even more rapidly. The burden of these costs means Tali could get evicted for not making rent.
The money raised will be used to help Tali complete their rent payment, cover unexpected quarantine costs for adequate sanitation supplies (they need to be very careful to keep their housemates safe and healthy in this time), in addition to staying nourished with significantly higher cost groceries and deliveries. Furthermore, they will likely need home care as well due to their disabilities. Tali has been homeless before and we want to do whatever we can to keep them safe, healthy, and off the streets!
On a personal note, I want to share just how committed Tali is to the mutual health and safety of their community. In debating whether or not to set up a fundraiser, a big concern of theirs was whether a fundraiser to save themselves would detract from larger mutual aid projects. This is a selfless attitude but also a heartbreaking dilemma that no person in need should ever have to face. Let’s show up for Tali.
