Rhys' Top Surgery Fund

Hi, I'm Rhys (they/he)! I'm 36-year-old non-binary trans man trying to raise money for gender affirming medical care. I have already located a clinic, a letter for surgery, and surgeon, but need help affording the procedure itself. My goal amount is to cover the insurance deductible, uncovered costs (such as anesthesia), transportation, prescriptions, and post-surgery recovery needs.

Why top surgery and why now?

I've known I wasn't a girl since I was four years old, even before I had the words to explain it. Though I wasn't able to begin transitioning until well into my adulthood, I've dreamed of having this procedure for quite some time. I have significant dysphoria and discomfort related to my chest, and how people perceive me as a woman because of it. I am also unable to comfortably bind because of the size of my chest and wearing binders and even many bras causes physical discomfort and impacts my breathing.

Getting top surgery is something that's been years in the making, and due to the current state of the country, getting it now while I have the chance is more important than ever. Everything is set up and ready to go, I just need this financial help to make it to the finish line and live the life I deserve, comfortable in my own skin.

What does top surgery entail?

'Top surgery' for trans men refers to a double mastectomy with masculinizing chest reconstruction. The specific procedure I will be undergoing is a double incision with free nipple graft, which involves removing most of the breast tissue and reshaping the patient's chest contour to appear masculine. This surgery will be performed at a clinic in Houston, TX that is part of the UT Physicians network.

Full recovery takes about six weeks, and in the beginning, I will require a lot of accommodations due to mobility issues. Part of the goal amount will be used towards items to aid in this process, such as a wedge pillow for support in bed, scar care products to aid in healing and prevent complications, and surgical drain holders to name a few.

Thank-you for taking the time to read this, and any help you are able to give. Getting this done will be life-changing done, and greatly improve my emotional well-being, my self-confidence, and my physical comfort. If you cannot help monetarily, I would be more than happy if you can at least share this around to raise awareness.

Much love, Rhys P.