Getting something(s) off my chest.

I was about 11 years old the first time

I really felt symptoms of Gender Dysphoria. It was summertime 2001, it’s a warm & sunny day like any other. Blissfully unaware of how a moment from this day would be permanently burned into my memory bank. I grab my board and head out to meet a small group of neighborhood boys that I often Skateboarded with.

 

We make it to the spot. I am sat on one of the ledges. Elbows leaned on my board which is draped across my lap. one of the boys turns to me, letting out a hysterical laugh. Pointing towards my chest, Says “YO! Wait You aren’t a boy???!?!?!!!.” After a few moments spent frozen in humiliation. I realize he is peering straight through the arm openings of my basketball jersey at my bare chest. I can still  feel how intensely embarrassed, uncomfortable, and ostracized I felt. I didn’t know it then, but I was going to have a whole life chock-full of Similar interactions.

 

My chest has caused me to feel extremely unhappy almost my entire life. I’ve only found having breasts tolerable after I discovered chest binding. Which I began doing sometime in 2016. Binding has been just about the only thing to alleviate some symptoms of Dysphoria for me. It comes at a price though.

 

Binding is PAINFUL!

 

I consistently suffer from skin abrasions, rib, and back pain. Even shortness of breath As a result of binding. I am at a point where I simply cannot bear having to bind much longer.

Top Surgery is something I have wanted for a very long time. And although currently I am fortunate enough to have insurance that includes coverage for gender affirming care.

 

My deductible is HIGH A F !

 

Getting Top Surgery would enable me to live my life in a body that would finally feel more authentically mine. This surgery would mean id get to experience being wholly comfortable. It would mean relief from daily pain. But above all else, I would NEVER have to put on a binder ever again!

 

Even with having insurance that will partially cover some of the costs of my surgery (happening JAN 28th 2022) I will be left with some pretty hefty bills. My fundraising goal for now is set to aid me in meeting the cost of my deductible ($5,500) as well as some help in shouldering the financial burden of being out of work while I recover. The average recovery time for the procedure I’ll be having is about 6+ weeks. 

 

So, I am asking to get by with a lil help from my friends, family & community.

Each donation will inch me closer to Top Surgery & ultimate freedom from binding! 

I appreciate any generosity, be it monetary or just a simple share.