Hey there! Its Bri! For those of you that don't know me, I am a black non-binary visual artist. I've spent the last 10 years or so really focused on my career and my education. Over the last 4 years I’ve worked as a full time artist living in NY. Last year I also began teaching art to grades K-7; but as the state of the world has changed so has my access to stable financial resources.

I didn’t anticipate sharing this part of my journey so publicly but I need some help! If you’ve known me personally for a while, by now you’ve heard talk about my gender affirmation goals and my long term desire for top surgery. I've encountered a lot of roadblocks recently and I’ve had some experiences calling for deep introspection. I’ve been sorting out my values and priorities, and looking to find fulfillment in myself and be happy in my body. Right now one of my major priorities is to make gender affirming surgery happen. I had to cancel T.S back in 2021 just days out due to unexpected health issues. Since then, I’ve experienced numerous career and financial setbacks backs that have prevented me from pursuing gender affirming care.

Its become more and more urgent to access this care given the attack on trans rights and access to affordable trans health care services. I’ve jumped through a lot of hoops to have costs covered by health insurance without much luck, and I recognize that I can’t move forward into the next chapter of my life if I don’t seek help from friends, family, and community. I feel vulnerable and scared asking for help but I’m setting those fears aside because I need to feel at home and affirmed in my body. 

I recently relocated from NYC and have spent the past few months saving and taking steps I need to to make it happen. Five years past my original plan, I’m so incredibly excited to share that I’ve finally booked a surgery date in March 2026 with a doctor I really trust. I’m writing in the hopes that you could help me raise money to make top surgery possible. It would mean so much to me to have your support and encouragement right now. All donations will go directly to surgery and appointment costs, travel expenses, and any additional out of pocket medical prescriptions and dressing materials that I will need post op. Below I have included an outline with important dates leading up to my surgery and anticipated costs.

Operation date: March 31, 2026

March 17, 2026: payment for surgery due

Remaining balance for surgery: $11,998.00

Estimated post-op prescriptions and medical costs: $100-$500

Estimated travel expenses: $1,200.00

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and engage with this request, and thank you so much to everyone — especially my friends and family who have held and supported me to get here.