Hi all! My name is Theo (they/he) and I am raising money for my gender affirming surgery called top surgery also known as a double mastectomy. This is a surgery I’ve been thinking about everyday, multiple times a day, for the past year plus. This surgery would allow me to feel more at home and comfortable in my body.

For those that don’t know, I’ve identified as transgender since 2015. I started coming out to friends then and really leaned into my social transition in 2019. I changed my name in 2021 and have been using Theo as my name since. I have been leaning towards the term trans-masculine since 2021 when I first discussed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with my doctor. For long I was scared of medically transitions for many reasons. I started taking testosterone in September 2024 and realized how important medically transitioning is to me including top surgery.

I recently was referred to the University of Utah hospital plastic surgery department for this surgery and was able to schedule a consultation with a surgeon for April 28th, 2025. After that I will be scheduled for a surgery date.

Unfortunately, my insurance does not cover gender affirming surgeries. The U has estimated that the surgery will cost $9,400. I am driving to raise about $12,000 to raise money for my surgery and for extra needs that will come up with surgery such as possibly flying my mom out to take care of me and the food I will order for me and my caretakers while I’m recovering. This $12,000 also includes the money that GoFundMe takes out to fund their site.

I will also be looking to apply to small grants (around $500-$1,000 each) and contributing some of my own money (up to $4,500).

I’m very nervous about raising this money, but the surgery is very important to me. Every dollar counts.

This is a huge step in my transition that will mean the world to me including bettering my mental health and self image. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments.