ABOUT
RESETTLING
TRANS ASYLUM SEEKERS
TO SAFER COUNTRIES
TRANS ASYLIAS is an NYC-based non-profit organization, founded in 2021, with the mission of providing resources for transgender and non-binary asylum seekers to escape from their home countries, where they face persecution, and resettling them in countries that are safer for TGNB communities. By the time Trans Asylias received 501(c)(3) status in August 2022, eight transgender asylum seekers had already been relocated—relying solely on donations, volunteers, and the hard work of our small team.
MEET THE TEAM
IMAN LE CAIRE (SHE/HER)
FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Iman Le Caire was born in Egypt, and from a very young age, she experienced sexual and physical violence at the hands of her family and neighborhood. She fled her toxic environment, moving to Cairo to begin training as a contemporary dancer for the Cairo Opera House. While in the city, Iman faced constant abuse from the police, leaving her with no other choice than to seek asylum.
Finding refuge in the United States, Iman started to build her new life in New York by joining the nightlife scene as a dancer, and accessing services to medically transition. However, after arriving in the United States, Iman quickly learned that anywhere she goes, there is a target on her back. She was profiled and violently arrested three times - simply for existing as a trans woman of color.
In 2020, Iman found herself on the streets of NYC, alongside thousands, in the movement for Black liberation after the murder of George Floyd. Iman’s voice resounded loudly within the movement for trans lives. She constantly reminded the movement that while visibility is celebrated in the United States, many countries - like her own - can legally jail and kill LGBTQ+ people.
As her voice grew louder both in the streets on and online, so did her calling for humanitarian work. She received an influx of messages from trans people around the world pleading with her to help them seek asylum. Once she managed to successfully relocate her first three cases, she knew she had to commit to this work. In December 2021, Trans Asylias was registered in the state of New York, and received 501(c)(3) status in August, 2022.
JEAN-MANUEL POURQUET (HE/HIM)
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Originally from the Southwest of France, Jean-Manuel Pourquet came to the US in the late 90’s to manage the US Business sector for prominent fashion houses in Europe. Jean-Manuel met Iman Le Caire in 2009, and they married in 2014. Throughout their relationship he has supported Iman in her journey, both in gender transition as well as careers as an artist and humanitarian.
As Jean-Manuel supported Iman with her transition, he witnessed the systemic and personal struggles of transitioning, including unwarranted arrests, bullying, and discriminatory health care. By 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic, amidst the protests for Black trans liberation, Jean-Manuel was activated to advocate and commit his time to transgender asylum seekers alongside Iman around the world.
He has been fundamental to the progress of this organization, bringing his expert business knowledge and encouraging Iman every step of the way. Please reach out to Jean-Manuel if you would like to become a donor or would like to support Trans Asylias in other ways!
STOVE KEANE (THEY/THEM)
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Stove is transmasculine and non-binary, committed to the work of Trans Asylias and collective trans liberation.
Stove brings various experiences in Communications, from years of mutual aid organizing, to social media marketing for non-profits, to corporate volunteer management. As an impassioned libra, they love to talk and build community, making connections with all the folks who are empowered by Iman’s vision and mission.
As Director of Communications, Stove oversees Trans Asylias digital communications, as well as event planning, and volunteer management. Reach out to Stove to collaborate for an event, host a fundraiser, or to answer any volunteer-related questions!
PACO MAY (HE/HIM)
ART DIRECTOR
Paco is an artist/illustrator who has collaborated with Iman and the team on many projects since the very start, including Trans Asylias branding and logo.
He is also the co-founder of the Radical Hearts Collective, an organization established to give back to the community while also providing a stage and a spotlight for some of its most electric performers. He has exhibited in New York, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs.