Katie's Top Surgery
Donation protected
I have wanted this for a long time. I am scared and have always found reasons to postpone or let other things take precedent. But I cannot put this off any longer. I am going to have top surgery this summer.
I don't talk about my gender identity with everyone. I have so often felt alone in it. Gender is a foundational aspect of a child's identity. From it other aspects can be built. I didn't have a strong foundation: a girl who knew she wasn't but wanted to be a boy. A female bodied masculine identified kid made a lot of people uncomfortable. I still do. People don't know how to fit me into their boxes, I just don't make sense.
Even with the heartwrenching videos of families encouraging their trans kids to transition in elementary school and the increase in tv shows that have trans characters - I still feel left out. These images and examples still cling to a binary and I don't feel comfortable idenitifying as a woman or a man.
Stephanie was the first person I ever felt understood. Through our relationship I have developed the confidence to recognize that who I am is just who I am supposed to be. She has also helped me realize that motifying my body to fit my vision of myself is more than just acceptable it is imperative. When I imagine myself without breasts I feel lighter, stronger, and happier and I am finally ready to make it happen.
The surgery will cost $6000 and I am anticipating another $1000 for travel and other unexpected costs. I am a teacher and although I like my job, it doesn't pay well. We struggle to save money because something inevitably comes up. I have waited long enough for this and we are going to make it happen this year.
I know that the effects of the surgery will be life altering, but so will the results of this campaign. To know that there is a community of people behind me as I take this step will do so much to help me heal. By supporting me in this endeavor you will be recognizing that there is more than binary. That there is space beyond the pink or blue, beyond the check boxes for male and female. And that this person who inhabits that space is seen.
Thank you so much for your support.
I don't talk about my gender identity with everyone. I have so often felt alone in it. Gender is a foundational aspect of a child's identity. From it other aspects can be built. I didn't have a strong foundation: a girl who knew she wasn't but wanted to be a boy. A female bodied masculine identified kid made a lot of people uncomfortable. I still do. People don't know how to fit me into their boxes, I just don't make sense.
Even with the heartwrenching videos of families encouraging their trans kids to transition in elementary school and the increase in tv shows that have trans characters - I still feel left out. These images and examples still cling to a binary and I don't feel comfortable idenitifying as a woman or a man.
Stephanie was the first person I ever felt understood. Through our relationship I have developed the confidence to recognize that who I am is just who I am supposed to be. She has also helped me realize that motifying my body to fit my vision of myself is more than just acceptable it is imperative. When I imagine myself without breasts I feel lighter, stronger, and happier and I am finally ready to make it happen.
The surgery will cost $6000 and I am anticipating another $1000 for travel and other unexpected costs. I am a teacher and although I like my job, it doesn't pay well. We struggle to save money because something inevitably comes up. I have waited long enough for this and we are going to make it happen this year.
I know that the effects of the surgery will be life altering, but so will the results of this campaign. To know that there is a community of people behind me as I take this step will do so much to help me heal. By supporting me in this endeavor you will be recognizing that there is more than binary. That there is space beyond the pink or blue, beyond the check boxes for male and female. And that this person who inhabits that space is seen.
Thank you so much for your support.
Organizer
Katie Driscoll
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
