Bhenji's Gender Affirmation Surgery
Donation protected
FYI:
Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) is a set of reconstructive surgical procedures that refine typically "male" facial features to bring them closer in shape and size to typical "female" facial features. This is just one type of "Gender Affirming Surgeries" often undergone by trans folks.
A message:
How does one begin to explain the complexities of gender dysphoria, to speak on an experience that runs so deep within the fabric of our bodies, that contains within it memory, trauma, desire and the need for becoming – how do I tell you why I need surgery. I have often sat with friends trying to articulate this very thing, my need for facial feminization and somehow my words always fall short of this overwhelming bodily need. To say this surgery is cosmetic is wrong, there is nothing glamourizing about it or its results. I’m not making steps towards beauty, I’m making steps towards my self. I’m bridging the gap that has so long separated my spirit with my exterior in attempt to find harmony. I’m doing this to reverse what was given to me through puberty, what hormone therapy cannot change. I need this for safety, to be able to walk on this earth softly, I know this surgery cannot protect me from the social structures and systems that perpetuate violence on trans people, but if it can ease the daily labor that it takes to face harassment, endure misgendering and perhaps one day save me from death, then that to me is a step towards bettering oneself. This is an act of self-love, not vanity or hate for who I am. I love myself and have worked tirelessly, daily, to cultivate the self-love and worth that I present to the world that tells me otherwise. By going through with this surgery I’m choosing to live.
**a lot of trans folks do not go through or feel the need to under go surgery or hormone therapy, this is simply the narrative that belongs to me**
Who Am I:
I’m Bhenji, I’m a trans woman of colour, belonging to a long line of Filipino women who have gone before me. I’m an artist, dancer, curator, event maker and mother to a small community vogue house. I’m currently based on the stolen land of the Gadigal people of Eora Nation, Sydney Australia. I’m mostly occupied with being a full time mother while juggling my art practice and wanting to be the ‘girl’. You can find me on instagram meandering between selfies, identity politics and exposing my crushes.
Donate:
Every donation makes a profound difference. All donations will go directly to my surgery and recovery costs, including my return flights to Spain where I'll be undergoing surgery accompanied by my Atè Christina, associated travel and accommodation costs. I understand there is a lot of causes out there that are in need of assistance and support so every donation is felt deeply.
Humbly yours
Bhenji x
Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) is a set of reconstructive surgical procedures that refine typically "male" facial features to bring them closer in shape and size to typical "female" facial features. This is just one type of "Gender Affirming Surgeries" often undergone by trans folks.
A message:
How does one begin to explain the complexities of gender dysphoria, to speak on an experience that runs so deep within the fabric of our bodies, that contains within it memory, trauma, desire and the need for becoming – how do I tell you why I need surgery. I have often sat with friends trying to articulate this very thing, my need for facial feminization and somehow my words always fall short of this overwhelming bodily need. To say this surgery is cosmetic is wrong, there is nothing glamourizing about it or its results. I’m not making steps towards beauty, I’m making steps towards my self. I’m bridging the gap that has so long separated my spirit with my exterior in attempt to find harmony. I’m doing this to reverse what was given to me through puberty, what hormone therapy cannot change. I need this for safety, to be able to walk on this earth softly, I know this surgery cannot protect me from the social structures and systems that perpetuate violence on trans people, but if it can ease the daily labor that it takes to face harassment, endure misgendering and perhaps one day save me from death, then that to me is a step towards bettering oneself. This is an act of self-love, not vanity or hate for who I am. I love myself and have worked tirelessly, daily, to cultivate the self-love and worth that I present to the world that tells me otherwise. By going through with this surgery I’m choosing to live.
**a lot of trans folks do not go through or feel the need to under go surgery or hormone therapy, this is simply the narrative that belongs to me**
Who Am I:
I’m Bhenji, I’m a trans woman of colour, belonging to a long line of Filipino women who have gone before me. I’m an artist, dancer, curator, event maker and mother to a small community vogue house. I’m currently based on the stolen land of the Gadigal people of Eora Nation, Sydney Australia. I’m mostly occupied with being a full time mother while juggling my art practice and wanting to be the ‘girl’. You can find me on instagram meandering between selfies, identity politics and exposing my crushes.
Donate:
Every donation makes a profound difference. All donations will go directly to my surgery and recovery costs, including my return flights to Spain where I'll be undergoing surgery accompanied by my Atè Christina, associated travel and accommodation costs. I understand there is a lot of causes out there that are in need of assistance and support so every donation is felt deeply.
Humbly yours
Bhenji x
Organizer
Bhenji Ra
Organizer
Haberfield NSW
