Hello! I’m Marsyas(He/they), and I'm a transman who works as a freelance digital artist. After a life long battle with my gender identity, I finally started HRT July 2025 and I’m desperate to finally live life as my true myself. I do not have family or friends who can(or will) support me, so I would be forever grateful for support - Even a small donation could change my life.
If you’re interested to know(briefly) about my journey, I'll leave some info below! And for transparency, I'll leave more information about the cost/surgery breakdown below as well!
My Journey - Raised in a dysfunctional, poverty-stricken household in the south, I both didn’t have much nor was allowed to be myself. I knew from a very young age that I didn't feel right at my assigned gender, and some of my earliest memories are filled with dysphoria. Growing up, I spent nearly every moment in survival mode, and any attempt I made to express what was inside of me was always ‘rejected and corrected’. I am a people pleaser by birth, so I've spent much of my life attempting to be what others wanted and sacrificing myself in the process. Because of this, along with the years of trauma, it’s been a horrific struggle to find the drive to be who I want to be, or better said, who I actually am. After the past five years of deconstructing, hurting, grieving, yearning and crying, I guess you could say I had my ‘epiphany moment’-- I will never be happy living how I have been. If I'm going to exist, I should enjoy existing.
Now that I'm closing in on a year of HRT, the next step of the process eats at me everyday. My body dysphoria has been rampant my entire life. I’ve missed out on so much because the mental anguish of being perceived how I am is haunting to say the least. Top surgery would finally allow me the comfort and confidence to exist. (and also spare me all of the other health issues that I face from binding)
Transparency - I've attempted to contact affordable options and local resources, but have gone unanswered. I’ve done as much research as possible and want to make the best choice for myself and my recovery.
- Surgery will cost anywhere from $7,000 to $18,000. My preferred surgeon, Dr. Hope Sherie of Cosmetic Concierge, is also the most expensive option in my area with the lowest cost at ~$11k.
- Surgery costs do not cover any post-op costs, including medical supplies, medications, etc. It also doesn’t cover the time I'll have to take away from working. Any additional raised funds will go towards recovery.
- No surgeons in my state accept insurance. This means I have to pay completely out of pocket.
- Cosmetic Concierge works on a 'lay-away' type plan. Which means as soon as I have my consultation and pay the deposit, I have a limited amount of months to pay the total cost and secure my spot. For this reason, I hope to have a substantial amount before I have my first consultation, so that I feel more assured that I will have enough time to pay it off in time.
- The main grants for gender-affirming surgery - Point of Pride and Genderbands - do not open applications until the fall. So many applications are put in that the chances of receiving support may be low. I will additionally be applying to other grants.
- I will try my best to give updates on the process, including the consultation visit and receipt.
If you wish to support in other ways, like buying a print or ordering custom art, you can find my information here!
Working as a freelancer, especially in a market that's suffering a lot currently, most of what I earn is immediately eaten up by daily living costs and expenses. Any support would mean the world to me!!
Even if you cannot donate, a share on social media or with your community would help me a ton!
Organizer
