Hi everyone, 

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Avery (they/ them) and I am fundraising to cover some of the expenses for my top surgery.  

Normally in Ontario, folks can get their top surgery covered, but as a non-binary individual I need a certain type of surgery that is not available in Ontario, which is why I applied in May 2018 to get OHIP to cover non-binary surgery at the Gender Confirmation Centre in California. With my application I submitted a lengthy document describing the differences between binary and non-binary trans people, the importance of treating each person’s individual experiences with dysphoria, and why I needed the non-binary procedure in California. OHIP declined my application because “top surgery is available in Ontario” (which is sort of like saying – Oh you broke your leg and need a cast? Here's a band-aid).  

I appealed their decision in August 2018, again detailing the differences between surgical methods and the importance of individualized treatment. They responded in December 2018 to say that there was a doctor who could potentially perform the procedure I require (even though he had limited experience with this more complicated method) but I would have to wait 1-2 years for a consult before he would say yes or no, and then a further 1-2 years for surgery.   

Even if this surgeon agreed to perform the procedure after the consult (which was not certain) waiting 4 years for top surgery is not an option. As I am writing this, I have been wearing a chest binder daily for almost three years. Even though I use the best available binders, there are some significant side effects of binding, including chest, back, and shoulder pain, skin rashes, fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, light-headedness, dizziness, and headaches due to oxygen deprivation, rib fractures, spinal changes, and more. Although many people can bind with minimal discomfort, a variety of factors have meant that I have experiences almost all of these effects. I have spent nights in urgent care, been confined to bed for up to a week at a time, and I can’t remember the last time I took a deep breath.  

So, after all this, even without insurance coverage, I set up another virtual consult with Dr. Mosser at the Gender Confirmation Centre and booked my surgery for February 2020 because whether OHIP recognizes it or not, I need this surgery. So far, I have spent several thousand dollars on deposits, plane tickets, and an airbnb in San Francisco for me and my best friend, who will be taking care of me after the surgery. I have kept some of my student loans aside to go towards the procedure itself, but I am still short of funds (and I would like to avoid using the student loans for this if at all possible), which is why I am launching this fundraiser.  

Whether you can spare $20 or $100, please give what you can and share this fundraiser with you friends, family, and networks. Every day I have to choose between breathing properly and living my life. Soon, I’ll be able to choose both, but only if I can get a little help on the way.  

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Cost breakdown: 
 
Surgery fees 
Surgery  - $8,500 
Anesthesia - $1,500 
Surgery centre fee  - $2,650 
Medical supplies  - $200 

Travel & accommodations  
Flights  - $650 
Airbnb  - $1,250 
Food - $250 
Rental car - $500 


TOTAL  - $15,500