Hi, I'm Cal. I'm a writer and theater professional in Chicago. I have been out as non-binary since I was 17, and have been working in theater for just shy of a decade.
I have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, and need a double mastectomy to correct it.


Gender dysphoria is a diagnosis listed in the DSM-5 and is "discomfort with one's own assigned gender... these feelings must cause significant distress." (Psychology Today )
I was assigned female at birth, but have never felt comfortable identifying as a woman. In my case, dysphoria manifests in a difficulty with basic executive functions (getting dressed, making phone calls) and depressive episodes.
This dysphoria is especially prevalent with my chest, and I need top surgery to fix that. 

In August of 2019, I planned  top surgery for this year. Then the pandemic shut down my industry. 
I have watched my life savings deplete to feed myself and pay rent. 
Theater industry I've worked my whole career is has slowed to a halt.
I'm without purpose or outlet, and I am bogged down by my anxiety most of the time.

Finding trans-friendly employment that can keep me and my chronically ill girlfriend safe has been a challenge. I have been refused opportunities because I ask for time off for this surgery, and it seems as though I am unhireable until i have recovered from it.

My surgery is scheduled for December 15th. I am counting down the days with a combination of excitement and dread at the cost-- even with insurance, I am looking at about 2,500 in total cost. I am already in debt.

Any amount you can give will help me with the most important and difficult part of my medical transition. The money I'm raising will go towards hospital fees, and anything beyond the goal will help support recovery.
Thank you in advance for anything you can give. If you can't give, please pass this along to people who might.

Thanks for reading this.
Cal