Hi! My name is Ava (they/them), I'm a transmasculine student living in NYC seeking support for gender affirming top surgery. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated!

For years I have struggled to live in a body that does not feel like my own. This is a deeply dissonant and alienating experience. I have taken steps to alleviate my dysphoria, like binding and starting HRT, however I still continue to feel extremely limited by dysphoria. This year I began to notice the increasingly concerning effects of my dysphoria. My social anxiety has been invasive, and has gotten to the point where I often find my speech impeded when in social situations. I have watched myself increasingly struggle to do things I used to love, like traveling and hosting family and friends. It is exhausting feeling so uncomfortable at all times, and it has taken a toll on my relationships and friendships. On top of this, this is my 5th consecutive year of binding daily, and I've started having regular back and neck pain. As my quality of life has been in decline for quite some time, I feel I cannot put off seeking this gender affirming care.

I am a second-year biology Ph.D. student working in a radiochemistry lab where I am currently working to develop imaging and therapy tools to treat a rare pediatric cancer. I have three years left in my program (hopefully!) and love what I do! Living off a graduate student salary in NYC, I am already balling on quite the budget. With years left in my degree I am not anticipating being able to afford gender affirming care without aid in the near future.

My insurance will cover top surgery after my deductible is paid, which is $5,500. The surgical center has also told me there will be an additional charge on the day of surgery that can be up to $1,000. For these reasons I am looking to raise around $6,000 to help me cover these expenses.

I know I am one of many trans people seeking support right now, so I am extremely grateful for any donations to help me access this essential care!

- Ava <3