Fundraiser for gender affirming surgery

Hi everyone my name is Deyone and I am a transgender refugee living in the Netherlands. I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago but it became too difficult to stay in my country due to the way transgender people, especially trans women are treated there. There was and still is, not any official gender-affirming care for Trans people in my country. Transpeople have to rely on people and medical professionals who sympathize with us to help us begin gender-affirming care and these are very few.

I began my transition at 18/19 because I was fortunate to find doctors who saw me for who I am and helped me get monitored hormone therapy and guidance from counsellors and a psychiatrist. However, one of the most important parts of gender affirmation, surgery is not available in Trinidad.

In the Netherlands, there is a system in place for gender-affirming care and also the possibility to have surgery. However, while there is this provision, it is controlled by the healthcare providers and insurance companies and in some cases, this control is used to dictate specific decisions that only the transgender person in question can make. In this instance, choosing a surgeon, which is what I have been facing. The hospital where I have had hormone therapy and psychological counselling is reluctant and almost unresponsive to my request to have supporting documents for surgery by the surgeon of my choice, in Thailand. They approved of my having surgery until they found out I wanted to have my operation with a doctor in Thailand . Because of this, I had to see another psychiatrist and sexologist who I have been guided by for more than a year now and they have agreed to write supporting letters so that I can have surgery in Thailand.

The biggest problem however, is that I have had over the past 4 years, however, is with insurance companies not wanting to fund my surgery in Thailand because they do not have a contract with the doctor in Thailand, even though in principle they are supposed to as long as the clinic has the same protocols for surgery as in the Netherlands, which in this case they do. I have asked, over 5 different insurers, on multiple occasions but they have always found a reason to deny my application. Furthermore, even if they had approved my request to have surgery, I would then have to have the money to pay for the surgery before they reimburse me. Being a trans woman who is a refugee and student living almost on the bear minimum and also struggling to find jobs where I fit in, I am not able to save much money because of the cost of living. I thought I would have the choice because I was in the Netherlands. But that choice is only afforded to people who have the money and not to others.

Having a major surgery like this is not something I take lightly. I have done my research about doctors all over the world and the doctor in Thailand is the best fit for me, apart from the fact that he is one of the top 3 surgeons in the world. This surgery is a very important step in my journey and I believe I should have the autonomy to choose who performs my surgery because it's my body. Nobody should decide this for me whether directly or indirectly.Imagine you were having such a surgery, wouldn't you want the best surgeon/the surgeon you feel most comfortable with to perform it?

This whole process has left me mentally drained, sad, depressed, anxious and at times, not wanting to be here anymore because of the lingering feelings of not being complete. This surgery will help me on the road to feeling one in my body and spirit, it would help me feel more confident, less anxious and depressed. The surgery is planned for August the 1st which means I would have to get the fund before July 1st. This surgery will help me on my path to becoming the best and happiest version of myself and reach my fullest potential. So to whoever is reading this, and wants to see trans people like myself win and blossom into their best self please donate ! Whatever you can give adds up whether big or small and I would appreciate it more than you know. If you can't give anything but can share I would be so gracious as well. And also if you can give it at a later date that's also welcome.Thank you so much in advance!

Deyone