Hi all! My name is Aloe, I also go by Ellis, and I'm a trans guy in Kenya. I've been transitioning for about 7 years now. Now that I have consistent access to HRT, I would like to get top surgery at MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi with Dr. Sandeep Acharya.

TW: mentions of violent transphobia

I grew up in the US, but was sent abroad in 2023 by family who intended to stop me from accessing the resources I needed to support my transition. I live about 6 hours outside Nairobi, go to school online, and would like to schedule my procedure during the break period. Right now, I am funding my daily living through FAFSA and mutual aid, but am unable to find work here due to the unemployment crisis.

I cannot leave the country as I am waiting for court proceedings to conclude from last year, when my travel documents were revoked after I was stoned by a mob who falsely accused me of stealing children because they believed I was impersonating a woman. I was stripped naked and about to be burnt alive in a tire before the police came and took me into custody. I am still seeking legal recourse through partnership with various human rights organizations in the country for my own dignity and by extension many other transgender members of the nation.

Alongside the blessing of alleviating my dysphoria, I feel that accessing this procedure is a matter of safety in a largely anti-LGBT society. If I can pass with more masculine features, I would feel a lot more comfortable going about my daily life without worrying if I will be harassed again. Despite the recent ruling on a transgender protections act in Kenya this past August, I still feel that life on the ground is different. I want to secure my safety more concretely, and feel better in my body.

I would like to move forward and take advantage of the opportunity I have to fundraise solely for top surgery without having to worry about other living expenses like I would have to do if I were still in the US. Although there is no insurance that will provide coverage for the procedure here, the out pocket costs are definitely more accessible. I am looking to cover a hospital stay, aftercare during recovery, a couple months of HRT, and any potential legal fees I may acquire in the future concerning my case. Please share widely, and thank you so much for reading through to the end. Much gratitude and peace to all of you!

Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram: @riipeplum

My PayPal is @aloeinc

Any other forms of donation are welcome, such as MPESA, Western Union, just reach out to inquire