My name is Alerin Johnson, and I desperately need your help to raise money for top surgery. For those who don't know what that is or have never heard of top surgery, it's a removal of the breast tissue and masculinization of the chest. It's a very involved major surgery that'll take me out for a minimum of four months before I can get back to my life. I won't be able to live independently or work until I recover, but I'm more than willing to endure all of that if it means I can finally be comfortable and happy with my body instead of grudgingly tolerating it.

Unfortunately, my insurance does not cover any form of gender-affirming care, so I'm on my own for this. I need money not only for the surgery and anesthesiology itself, but for follow-up care and to keep my rent and bills and anything else I'll need paid while I'm out of work.

I'm desperate here. I hate asking for money, especially large amounts of money. However, this is extremely important to me and vital for my mental health. I don't know how much longer I can keep living like this. Binding my chest just isn't cutting it anymore, and the dysphoria I feel regarding my chest is becoming overwhelming. I need this.

Anything at all that you can give, even if it's only a dollar, would mean the world to me. Please, please find it in your heart to help me out.