Hi there, my name's Leo. I'm a 23 year old transgender man who is pursuing chest masculinization surgery, or what is more commonly known as top surgery.

I realized I was trans at the age of 19, and I have dreamed of top surgery ever since. I have experienced severe gender dysphoria as a result of my chest since undergoing puberty. I've done everything I can to mitigate my dysphoria—binding, wearing baggy clothes, even missing out on social opportunities—but there is always a strong discomfort that lingers. This dysphoria causes me significant distress on a daily basis. There has never been a day in which I've felt truly comfortable in my body, and my chest is the reason why.

I have devoted myself to working hard to make my dream of top surgery a reality. As soon as I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in psychology, I was able to begin a full-time job in the social work field. In addition to my normal work duties, I took it upon myself to develop my own training on serving transgender people. I have presented this training to many of the units in our main office, and I have had the opportunity to educate coworkers and supervisors alike. Through this job, I got on my own insurance plan. I have been diligent in saving money for this surgery over the past year.

Luckily, I have a wonderful partner and friends who are incredibly supportive of me and my transition. I am so grateful that my partner and my best friend of 12 years will be taking care of me after top surgery. I'm ready to be happy in my body. I'm eager to begin living my life.

I will be getting my chest masculinization/top surgery on 10/17/25 with Dr. Facque at the Gender Confirmation Center in San Francisco, CA. I will be staying in San Francisco for 8-9 days on the recommendation of the team at the GCC.

This fundraiser is to support me with costs as they relate to travel, lodging, accommodations, medical leave, and the surgery itself. I will be taking a temporary leave from work while I recover and will be earning less income during this time. Anything helps. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser on social media. All I ask is that you try to spread the word — it means a lot to me. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story. I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Leo.