Help Rory Pay Off Top Surgery

Who I Am //

 

My name is Rory (He/Him) and I'm a 27-year-old trans man. I've gone by my male name for six years and within the last year, came out to my extended family as trans. I'm a fulltime illustrator for a website and currently live in Florida.

 

What Is Top Surgery //

 

Also known as Mastectomy, is a FTM procedure to remove breast tissue and masculinize a chest for individuals with gender dysphoria (a sense of unease that a person may have because of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity).

 

Why Is This Important To Me //

 

Growing up I considered myself a tomboy, I used to reject femininity like dress, dolls or makeup and hang out with "the boys". As I got to explore my gender when I got older and had supportive people around me, I realized how early behaviors were related to trying to masculine myself. Most notably though, I've never been comfortable with my chest. The majority of my dysphoria derives from my chest especially since I am large breasted, I wear a cup H. I don't have the luxury of wearing a binder to disguise it, since it causes too much pain and trouble breathing. Whenever I go into public, I wear a baggy shirt and jacket to cover myself even though I live in Florida where it's 80-90s most days. It's hindered my lifestyle, where I can no longer enjoy activities that I love such as swimming and potential relationships. As I'm getting older, I'm feeling more bogged down by them and yearn for the day that I can finally start to feel like me.

 

I want to get top surgery before starting hormones because of how much anxiety I have surrounding my chest and the fear of having my voice deepen and other features masculinize while I still have large breasts. Sometimes strangers will refer to me as Sir or use He/Him while I'm wearing a baggy hoodie. It makes me feel good but also reminds me about how much my breasts are holding me back from presenting as I want to.

 

Within the last two years, I had a breast cancer scare. They were unsure of what it was and in order to receive piece of mind I went through exams, ultrasounds and a biopsy. Luckily the results have returned as "mostly benign" but this experience really tore me down. It felt like not only were they holding me back from my identity but were trying to kill me. I'm thankful the cells weren't abnormal but still a cause for concern with regular checkups. But the scare has only made me more desperate to - I don't want to sound too dramatic but let's face it - free myself from this nightmare.

 

Even with insurance and letters from mental health professionals, surgery is expensive. I'm beyond ready to get this procedure with one exception, the funds. I appreciate any way to help boost, donate or support my journey to reaching this significant milestone.

 

This means to world to me. Thank you for listening and don't be afraid to be you <3

 

What's Next //

My surgery is scheduled for February 4th with Dr Hadeed. The office has been very helpful, but insurance companies still see transgender medical services as cosmetic and not necessity. The in network out of pocket can cost me as much as $10,000. I'm applying to many different grants and avenues, but whatever is raised here will help me significantly.