Support Robby's Gender-Affirming Surgery

UPDATE: We have met our goal with all of you & private donations! AND Robby's surgery has been moved up to JUNE 11th!

Hi, my name is Ylonda, and I’m raising funds for my middle child, Robby.

Robby (He/Him) is 20 years old, biracial, and transgender. He’s a psychology major entering his junior year of college this fall — thoughtful, creative, and one of the kindest, most loving humans you could ever meet. He’s been on a long journey to become who he truly is, and now he’s finally ready for the next step: gender-affirming top surgery on July 11th.

We are asking for your help to raise $5,500 to cover the medical expenses for this surgery. Every dollar will go toward ensuring Robby can access the care he needs and deserves.

Robby began identifying as male at 16 and came out to me at 17. I believed him immediately. I saw his pain. I saw his bravery. I saw how long he’d been carrying the weight of feeling out of place in his own body — a feeling that started all the way back in kindergarten.

He began working with a gender specialist in 2020 and started hormone therapy this past May (2024). These steps have helped Robby begin to feel like himself — but gender dysphoria, especially around his chest, has continued to cause deep psychological distress. Top surgery will change that. It will bring him closer to peace in his body and soul.

But getting to this point has not been easy.

As a Black mother raising a transgender son in the United States, I’ve had to fight every step of the way — to find affirming doctors, to navigate long waitlists and health care systems not built for us, and to shield my child from a growing wave of anti-trans legislation and rhetoric that threatens his safety and humanity.

Right now, trans youth and their families are being targeted, erased, and denied essential care across the country. The emotional toll is immense. But my love and belief in my child have never wavered.

I am determined to help my son live fully and joyfully.

If you’ve ever met Robby, you know he is someone who shows up for others. He leads with gentleness and compassion, and he deserves to feel that same support in return.

Your donation — no matter the amount — helps us say: we see you, Robby. We believe in you. We love you just as you are.

Thank you for helping us make this life-changing surgery a reality.

With love and deepest gratitude,

Ylonda (she/her), Robby’s mom