Help Al Russell Raise Funds For Top Surgery!!!!!!!!

Hello! My name is Al Russell and I am 28 years old. As a person raised in a conservative, largely Christian state, it took me a while to accept who I am as a queer, nonbinary person.

I didn’t fully start embracing my queerness until I was in my early twenties. I was lucky enough to find my place in the queer community and gained lifelong friendships along the way as well as found the confidence I needed to be my true self.

I have been out to my friends as nonbinary for 11 years, and publicly out for 5 years. Chest reconstruction (known as top surgery) is a gender affirming procedure that will help reaffirm my gender identity, and improve my mental health and well being. I have been on a waitlist for this surgery since 2020. My consultation was in 2023, and I got the phone call to schedule the surgery just this March 2025.

Gender affirming surgery can be costly, which is why I am reaching out for your support.

I work as a server/bartender and get my insurance through marketplace, which means I don't qualify for short term disability. My out-of-pocket cost for the surgery, (excluding my monthly insurance premium), will be around $4,000. The recovery time for surgery is approximately 4-6 weeks, during which I will be unable to work. I work an active job that requires me to lift things above my chest regularly and at a fast pace. I am hoping to be fully healed and able to complete my duties by the time I return. Due to my absence from work for recovery, my living expenses also need to be accounted for. This totals close to $2,500, which is why I am asking for $6,500.

I know that times are challenging for trans folks across the US right now, so thank you for taking the time to read this and supporting me in my journey! Anything helps, and I appreciate any donations or shares! Thank you!!! :-)