Hi, I’m Elias, a mixed Indigenous trans person. From a young age, I knew I felt different, but I didn’t have the vocabulary to fully understand or express what I was experiencing. When puberty hit, it became clear that my gender identity no longer aligned with my body, and it was only years later, in college, that I came out as genderfluid, followed by identifying as trans masculine/non-binary.

My journey has been a long one, and I've come so far, but I still have more to go. I am reaching out in the hopes of raising the funds I need to get top surgery, as well as take the necessary time off work to recover. This has been a long-term goal of mine, as top surgery would help ease my chest dysphoria and align my body with my gender identity. While therapy has been helpful, I’m seeking a more permanent solution, especially with the increasing transphobia in Texas legislation. This surgery will have a profound impact on my mental health and will allow me to navigate the world in a way that feels authentic and comfortable.

I've tried multiple fundraising methods, including t-shirt drives and selling prints, and I’ve been incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received so far. However, the funds have been moving so slowly that I often find myself using them for basic survival needs. My last donation was two years ago, and the process has left me feeling discouraged. Because of this, I’m now also looking into top-surgery grants as an alternative option, or moving out of state to a place with accessibility to necessary medical care.

I had a great consultation with Dr. Freet at UTHealth in Houston about two years ago, but since then Dr. Freet has retired, I’m now seeking alternative care. I still owe $344 for the initial consultation, which wasn’t covered by insurance, and I want to continue moving forward with my surgery. The goal of my fundraiser is to cover the cost of the surgery, the out-of-pocket expenses, and the time I need to take off from work for recovery.

Here’s the cost estimate of care:

$7800 Approx. maximum if covered by insurance.

$10,000 Approx. if not covered by insurance or insurance is denied.

Does not Include anesthesia fee or additional medical fees.

$2415 Approx. monthly living expenses to compensate for time out of work.

Thank you so much for the community support I’ve received so far. It means the world to me.

With gratitude,

Elias <3