I’m Devi, and I’m starting this fundraiser for my own gender-affirming care. I am asking for help paying for facial feminization surgery because being constantly misgendered has caused deep emotional pain and made me feel like I want to hide from the world. It has led to social anxiety and made it hard to feel confident enough to go out and perform, even though I am part of a popular folk musical duo that has been receiving attention and praise through radio shows, local news, newspapers, and festivals. On the outside, things may look exciting, but inside I am struggling with the pain of not being seen as my true self.

The funds from this fundraiser would help cover specific facial procedures that are important to me, include forehead contouring, jaw reduction, chin reshaping, and rhinoplasty, and minor fillers to soften my features. My hope is that these gender-affirming procedures will help me feel more confident in public, more comfortable in my own skin, and more able to continue performing without the constant fear and hurt that comes with being misgendered. I work very hard, and asking for help does not come naturally to me, but the financial cost is a significant obstacle. Even after playing 100 shows this year, I have not been able to save enough because of the cost of living.

If you are able to give, any donation of any size would mean so much to me. Even taking the time to read and share this is a gift I deeply appreciate. I truly believe that with this support, I can move closer to living openly and confidently as myself.

One day, I hope to pay this kindness forward and help others who are also suffering from gender dysphoria. Thank you all so much for your time, your compassion, and your support.