Raising Money for My Top Surgery
Donation protected
Hi! My name is Dominique Lambert. Many of you may not know this, but I’m a nonbinary transguy. I’m 21 years old and am currently raising money for my top surgery later this year! I started medically transitioning 5 months ago and apply Testosterone Gel to my chest every evening and will have to do so for the rest of my life. My consultation date is set for May 20th and I'm doing everything I possibly can to raise the amount necessary to cover it. Even if I don’t reach my goal, every donation matters and I’ll be working hard in the meantime to cover what I can by myself.
This surgery is crucial to improving my wellbeing. Everyday when I wake up, look into the mirror, and see my chest, I feel a horrible wave of dysphoria. Dysphoria is an overwhelming discomfort that trans people experience when there are features about themselves that do not align with the gender they identify as. In order to combat this, I use a binder every day; however, I can only do so for about 8 hours (recommended; the 5-6 hour mark is when it becomes a sharp pain underneath your ribs). Binders help with reducing the appearance of breasts by pressing the tissue down; however, it’s detrimental as it can lead to back and spine problems in the future. Wearing tight clothing or anything with straps is not ideal as it will show right through; it’s also quite restricting: power-walking leads to wheezing and and forget about exercising in one.
Due to traumatic events in the past year as well as battling three mental illnesses at the same time, I’ve done a lot of self-reflection and have come to realize that something needs to change. I’ve thought deeply of what I truly need to be happy and imagined what that future would entail.
I’m sick and tired of being a pushover, of living in a world where I feel like I can never be myself, of constantly searching for someone else’s approval. I’m trying to build up a sense of self-worth and confidence I never had before. I want the world to see who I really am and what I really feel like on the inside. I want to live the life I never would’ve had I not realized my happiness matters. Who I am and what I want matters.
I refuse to hide any longer and I know that no one will believe in me if I don't believe in myself. The terrifying part is that I think no one will ever believe in me no matter the struggle or suffering. However, I'm desperately trying to change that.
With top surgery, not only will the dysphoria lessen, but I can achieve my dreams of standing underneath the sun with my chest bare, going to the beach topless, and living my life without stinging pain every single day. But most importantly, to look in the mirror and see myself and be confident with who I am.
To everyone who already knows I’m trans and have accepted me for who I am, thank you for believing in me and supporting me. I don't know if I would’ve had the courage to do this without you. My sister Melissa (the other person in the photo) was one of the first people I confided in and she promised me she would go to San Francisco with me to take care of me during my surgery. I couldn't be more grateful to have one of the most loving and supportive families in the world.
The money will cover my top surgery in full and as well as traveling expenses since I’ll need to remain in San Francisco for recovery (about a week). If you decide to donate, please know that I'm eternally grateful for your support and you have made a difference in my life. Please help me in my journey to becoming who I really am.
Thank you for listening to my story,
Dominique Lambert.
This surgery is crucial to improving my wellbeing. Everyday when I wake up, look into the mirror, and see my chest, I feel a horrible wave of dysphoria. Dysphoria is an overwhelming discomfort that trans people experience when there are features about themselves that do not align with the gender they identify as. In order to combat this, I use a binder every day; however, I can only do so for about 8 hours (recommended; the 5-6 hour mark is when it becomes a sharp pain underneath your ribs). Binders help with reducing the appearance of breasts by pressing the tissue down; however, it’s detrimental as it can lead to back and spine problems in the future. Wearing tight clothing or anything with straps is not ideal as it will show right through; it’s also quite restricting: power-walking leads to wheezing and and forget about exercising in one.
Due to traumatic events in the past year as well as battling three mental illnesses at the same time, I’ve done a lot of self-reflection and have come to realize that something needs to change. I’ve thought deeply of what I truly need to be happy and imagined what that future would entail.
I’m sick and tired of being a pushover, of living in a world where I feel like I can never be myself, of constantly searching for someone else’s approval. I’m trying to build up a sense of self-worth and confidence I never had before. I want the world to see who I really am and what I really feel like on the inside. I want to live the life I never would’ve had I not realized my happiness matters. Who I am and what I want matters.
I refuse to hide any longer and I know that no one will believe in me if I don't believe in myself. The terrifying part is that I think no one will ever believe in me no matter the struggle or suffering. However, I'm desperately trying to change that.
With top surgery, not only will the dysphoria lessen, but I can achieve my dreams of standing underneath the sun with my chest bare, going to the beach topless, and living my life without stinging pain every single day. But most importantly, to look in the mirror and see myself and be confident with who I am.
To everyone who already knows I’m trans and have accepted me for who I am, thank you for believing in me and supporting me. I don't know if I would’ve had the courage to do this without you. My sister Melissa (the other person in the photo) was one of the first people I confided in and she promised me she would go to San Francisco with me to take care of me during my surgery. I couldn't be more grateful to have one of the most loving and supportive families in the world.
The money will cover my top surgery in full and as well as traveling expenses since I’ll need to remain in San Francisco for recovery (about a week). If you decide to donate, please know that I'm eternally grateful for your support and you have made a difference in my life. Please help me in my journey to becoming who I really am.
Thank you for listening to my story,
Dominique Lambert.
Organizer
Dominique Lambert
Organizer
Pasadena, CA