Ely’s Getting Top Surgery!

Hello! ☺️

My boyfriend Ely, whom I adore, is finally scheduled to receive gender-affirming top surgery in September. If you don’t know much about gender-affirming care, I encourage you to learn more about it here: https://www.hrc.org/resources/get-the-facts-on-gender-affirming-care. In a time when trans people are facing unprecedented attacks from the highest levels of government — including the current administration rolling out harmful policies that strip away rights and dignity — this moment for Ely is an act of courage, self-love, and resistance.

Ely and I met in law school and, before we even started dating, shared a summer internship assisting and advocating for unhoused queer youth in New York. We have both dedicated our lives and legal careers, from the Midwest to the East Coast, to fighting for queer and trans communities. And yet, even as we fight for the rights of others, we know how deeply personal and urgent it is to fight for our own joy, safety, and truth.

Ely just graduated from law school and will begin working this fall as a public interest attorney in Queens, serving communities that are too often left behind. But like so many recent grads, money is tight — he hasn’t started his job yet and has significant student loan debt. More importantly, though, top surgery is something Ely has thought about and wanted for a long time. It is something that cannot wait, despite the financial strain.

We’re asking for help to cover medical bills, transportation to appointments, post-surgery care items, and lost income while he recovers. I’ll be caring for him in my apartment - from changing his drains, to washing his hair, to making sure he has plenty of pillows, snacks, and love.

In a world that so often tries to make trans joy small or impossible, this is a moment to celebrate and support. If you’re able, please donate or share. Thank you. ❤️

P.S. If you are local to New York City and would like to contribute via MealTrain, text me (Caitlin)!