Hi everyone, I'm Cassie. I'm a 43-year-old trans woman living in the Bible Belt.

After years of therapy, HRT, careful introspection, and life as an out trans woman, it's time.:

I'm fundraising for bottom surgery and all the expenses that will come along with that surgery.

While insurance will cover a significant portion of surgical fees, I have no access to surgery without travel and about two weeks of lodging wherever I may go. Thanks to the intensive recovery that will be required, I'll also be bringing a caretaker along with me to help ensure the initial days after recovery are as safe and supported as possible.

I'm also trying to ensure that I have time and space available for healing without being pressured immediately back into work.

I've already met with my surgeon, and we are scheduling for the last part of the year, meaning now it's time to make sure I have everything in place.

Things are tight right now for everyone, but I truly appreciate any help and generosity I receive. This is a huge and long-overdue next step for me, and I'm tremendously excited!

I'm setting a higher target than I hope I need, both to be prepared and to be sure that any loss of income is addressed if I exceed my time off allowances at work.

Every dollar that I raise over what I actually use for travel, lodging, and surgery will be paid forward toward other gender affirming surgery funds, because our greatest strength lies in our community, now more than ever.

With all my love and gratitude for your kindness,

-Cassie