Hello! My name is Marcus James. I’m a poet and youth mentor from Los Angeles. I’m one of the co-creators of #TransMarchLA of 2018, one of the largest marches for trans and gender non-conforming rights in Los Angeles.

And surprise! I’m also female to male transgender which means I’ve been binding my chest since I was 18. This Tuesday will make it 5 years. If I’m not in physical pain from my binder I’m dealing with very ugly dysmorphia and emotional pain (plus binders are EXTREMELY smelly and expensive). 

I work as a poetry teacher and slam coach so a lot of my job is standing which takes a toll on my back. If I’m not standing I’m sitting in beautiful LA traffic which hurts just as bad!

This gofundme would cover the cost of top surgery. It’d make my job so much easier, TSA lines so much safer, and I would feel less tortured by my corporeal form! I’d also be able to go swimming!! Something I miss a lot. Anything helps even a warm sentiment means the world to me!! Thank you all so much!

**if there is any money left over that I don’t need for surgery I will donate it all to the TransLatina Coalition in Los Angeles.