Hello, I am Bre (they/them), and my relationship with gender was very tumultuous until 2020 when I came out as non-binary. Then, the relationship became more fluid and comfortable. As a child, I felt comfortable growing up with my brother, playing Pokémon, having BB gun fights with my cousin, skateboarding, and partaking in many activities that we as a society deem masculine.

The discomfort with my gender began when I hit puberty. Not only was I a queer child being raised in North Dakota, I was also incredibly uncomfortable with the societal norms of becoming a woman. I had imposter syndrome for many of my preteen and teenage years, clinging onto the identity of what it means “to be a girl,” and I was damn good at it. I had a long-term boyfriend, I competed in and won beauty pageants, and I found a hyper-feminine identity to hide behind and not be questioned about my sexuality or self-image. During this time, I unfortunately became part of statistics that many women are part of: domestic abuse, disordered eating, assault.

After many years of therapy, waiting, and finding the right place and time, I am excited that I get to take the next big step, which is the gender-affirming surgery commonly referred to as "top surgery." Top surgery is something that I have always wanted for myself, and I am in a position right now, before I start grad school, where it is ideal timing for me and my household.

My procedure will likely take place within the next 3 months in Chicago; that way, I will be ready to help LGBTQIA+ youth by fall in my social work program. However, with many cases in the United States, financing procedures like this is my largest hurdle. I can finance some of the costs, but to lessen the stressors, I am reaching out to my community for help. Funds will be used for my payments towards my procedure (~$900 a month for the next 12 months)

Thank you for reading and considering.