Help Me Become Myself: Support my FFS transition

Living in this body hurts. Every day, I walk through the world being seen as someone I’m not. People look at me and see a man..... This disconnect has been a source of deep pain, fear, and shame.

My name is Lucía, and I’m a 29-year-old trans woman trying to survive, heal, and become whole. I need your help to afford life-saving gender-affirming surgery—specifically, Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS).

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This is not about beauty. It’s about survival.

Gender dysphoria is a deep and persistent distress when someone’s appearance doesn’t align with their gender identity. For me, it’s waking up every morning and feeling panic when I see my face in the mirror. It’s the heartbreak of being misgendered, even after a year of hormone therapy. It’s the exhaustion of constantly fearing how strangers will perceive me.

But this goes far beyond my inner pain. Being visibly trans—especially a trans woman—puts me at serious risk. Trans women around the world, especially those of us who are immigrants or racialized, face disproportionately high levels of harassment, assault, and even murder. When you don’t "pass" as cis, the world treats you like a threat or a joke. I've experienced the fear of walking down the street and hearing someone whisper “that’s a man.” I’ve been laughed at, stared at, and followed. These moments aren’t rare—they’re daily.

Facial Feminization Surgery can literally save my life. Not because it changes who I am, but because it allows the world to see me for who I’ve always been. It gives me a chance at safety, dignity, and peace. I want to be able to exist in public without being a target.

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Who I am

I was born in Mexico, and now I live in Berlin. I’m a trans woman, an artist, and a survivor. Art has always been my refuge, but surviving as a trans immigrant with poor family support has made life incredibly difficult. I’ve been on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) since May 2023, which has helped me connect with my body, but there are limits to what hormones can change. My facial features continue to trigger my dysphoria and expose me to danger.

Despite working in a part-time job and devoting my life to my art, I simply cannot afford this surgery. My income goes toward rent, food, hormones, and mental health care. FFS in Germany is often not covered by insurance, and as an immigrant, navigating the medical system is an uphill battle full of delays and denials.

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What I need

I’m raising €10,000–€15,000 to cover:

Surgical costs (surgeon, clinic, anesthesia)

Pre- and post-op care

Travel and accommodation (if surgery is in another city)

Time off work for recovery

GoFundMe and banking fees

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Why it matters

This surgery would not just reduce my dysphoria—it would let me live. It would help me go outside without fear. It would let me build the life I deserve: one where I’m not constantly hiding, apologizing, or shrinking myself to survive.

It would let me show up as a woman, artist,—proud, whole, and safe.

How you can help

If you’ve read this far, thank you. You’re already helping by listening to my story. If you’re able to contribute anything—even just €5 or €10—it would bring me closer to the care I need. And if you can’t donate right now, please consider sharing this with your community. Every voice matters.

You’re not just funding a surgery. You’re helping a woman survive. You’re giving her the chance to be seen, to heal, and to live.

With deepest love and hope,

Lucía