My name is Desi, I'm a 33 year old trans man living in Durham, North Carolina, and I am reaching out to my friends and community for support in raising funds for top surgery.

Determining whether to undergo surgery has become a matter of increased urgency over the past couple of years for me, both due to my own exploration and understanding of my gender and the current political climate we live under. We're living in a "smoke 'em if ya got 'em" time, and it's time I lit up.

While I am very fortunate to be able to support myself day-to-day on my own income, big expenditures-- even ones as necessary and life-changing as this, are not really achievable.

My surgery date is set for September 23rd, 2026 and I have been quoted around $9200 for the procedure.

I am asking for funds to pay for the surgery itself, as well as aftercare and to cover the possibility of unpaid time off work as I recover. If you or someone you know is local to Durham and have gently used recovery supplies such as support garments and pillows, I would also love to accept them.

Due to the accelerated timeline, here is the fastest path to meeting my goal:

1. Fifty donors each willing to help out with $100

2. Eighty more donors each willing to help out with $50

3. Literally any other amount will help fill in the gaps left unmet by larger donations

4. Sharing this campaign early, often, and with as many people as you can who may be able to help.