Breast in Peace

Hi! My name is Jo (they/she), and I'm a trans-masculine, nonbinary artist in Iowa. Everyone keeps asking me what I want for my birthday.  Imagine their face when I say to yeet my teets (top surgery). But it's true, that is all I want for my 24th birthday. I want to finally be free. 

 

I have never connected with my chest, which has been a source of increasing dysphoria since puberty. I have sacrificed my posture to feel comfortable without my chest visible and hiding it in baggy clothing. My back was fractured during my battle with cancer in 2016, now causing daily back pain or fatigue. I typically wear a binder to fight my dysphoria, but my back cannot handle the pressure and pain it causes. Top surgery is necessary for me to affirm my identity and alleviate my dysphoria.

 

Unfortunately, gender-affirming surgeries are costly and not a prioritized practice in Iowa. I work extremely hard, but I am not in a position to afford surgery all on my own. I hope to go with The Gender Confirmation Center with Dr. Scott Mosser in California, and the surgery is listed as costing $9,000. In addition, I have to pay travel costs for myself and my partner who will be my primary caregiver during recovery. I've listed my fundraising goal as $6,500 to help cover our transportation and my surgery costs.

 

It is important to note that many LGBTQIA+ individuals are in the same financial situation as me. Please consider donating to Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund if you can! They provide financial assistance to nonbinary and trans Iowans seeking gender-affirming care.

 

Thank you in advance for anyone helping me through this journey.  I dream of a day when this life-affirming care is accessible and affordable to all. If you can contribute, please do so; every little bit helps! And if you cannot, sharing this fundraiser would be a great birthday gift too :)