I appreciate anybody who took the time to click on this and hear my story. This is very vulnerable to put myself out there, but I’m seeking top surgery after years of dealing with insurance blocking any trans healthcare. With insurance covering a portion of my surgery, I’m still estimated to pay about $10,000 out of pocket minimum due to needing more extensive surgery for a chest like mine. I recently had a consult with a surgeon where I was given these estimates on cost. This does not include taking unpaid time off from work for 6 weeks.

I’ve been working two jobs this year to afford the entire surgery, but with the current political climate as a Black trans individual, it feels like a race against time to get it as soon as possible. Truly, anything would help. I have no expectations out of setting up a GoFundMe other than to see if I can get pushed closer to my goal. This surgery would be life-changing for me as I have been binding for 6 years, which causes damage to your ribs and back over time.

This is a hard subject to talk about because it causes me the most distress and discomfort in my day-to-day life as a trans man. I wish to one day be able to go to a swimming pool, the beach, or a lake. I would love to be able to live in my body comfortably and not feel the pain of binding every day. It is recommended to only bind for 6 to 8 hours a day to avoid damage. I work 10+ hour days, not including travel to and from work, which means I am binding for 15 hours a day or more.

I’ve been dreaming of this for as long as I can remember, watching top surgery videos at 10. This has been a fight for years and one that weighs on me heavily, not just for my peace of mind but for safety. I do not feel safe in the body I have using public restrooms while police are getting called to verify genders of people in restrooms. I’m at a point where I’ve decided to open myself up and not feel shame in asking for help to achieve this goal with how hard I have fought to make it this far in my attempt at top surgery.

I just want to experience a body that feels like mine, and while insurance is a big help due to a surgery like mine being estimated to cost double, I do fully support myself and, as I mentioned, anything would help. I am very open about my transition, but this topic is where I’m the most reserved. Top surgery is the most important opportunity for me that I will ever experience in my life without a doubt. I will truly feel like I’m living without the burden hanging over me. Writing this out and explaining how it feels every day is emotional and very raw. It’s not easy, and I would love to just feel free one day.