Help Frankie access gender affirming care

Hello!

My name is Frankie (she/her), I’m a 29-year-old multidisciplinary artist based in Calgary, AB. I'm raising funds for a gender-affirming surgery known as a tracheal shave, which will reduce the size of my Adam's apple.

My Journey

In January 2023 I began to accept what I’ve known for a long time; that I was trans. Before that point, I had tried everything to relieve the discomfort I felt with myself, my body and my place in the world. As I explored gender over the years, the joy I experienced from clothes and make up only ever felt temporary. I knew what I really needed and finally had the confidence and support to do so. I started medically transitioning from male to female with hormone replacement therapy and facial hair removal, and am now 9 months into these treatments. These interventions have already greatly improved my mental health and well-being. I am looking forward to continuing this journey and am excited for the future!

Challenges

Facial hair removal is costly and requires a lot of treatments. I've undergone 9 sessions of laser hair removal and 6 sessions of electrolysis, with potentially 10-20 more sessions ahead for permanent removal. Paying for these extra treatments, hormones and regular therapy, compounded with an increase in rent/groceries and a particularly slow year for tattooing, have made saving difficult. Even with working a second job, there is still no way I would be able to afford this procedure by myself for quite some time.

For those who don’t know, gender affirming surgery remains largely inaccessible despite it being life-saving care. I have received over 10 quotes for this procedure, both domestically and internationally, ranging from $5,500-$15,000. There are a very limited number of facilities that regularly practice gender-affirming surgery in Canada. No government funding exists for the procedure as well, even though this is one of the most sought-after and impactful surgery’s for trans femme individuals. Insurance coverage is also extremely limited and inaccessible.

Importance/Urgency

This surgery isn't a cosmetic choice; it's a crucial step for my safety and well-being. The sad reality is that trans people still widely face discrimination, harassment and assault. The amount of anti-LGBTQ+ protests and growing anti-trans legislation in Calgary and beyond is personally distressful. The further along I get with hormones/transition, the more visibly trans I become. Having a large Adam’s apple as a transfeminine person will be the biggest indicator that I am trans as I continue my journey. It is a constant source of dysphoria and discomfort, impacting my confidence and overall happiness on a day to day basis. This is the only surgery I plan on getting for the foreseeable future, and the result will be beyond meaningful to me.

When

I chose to go with a surgeon in Montreal that has done this procedure many times. I’ve done my consultation and booked the Surgery for April.4th, 2024! I went ahead with booking to get a better cost estimate and timeline.

Cost Breakdown

Thankfully, the surgery is short and not super-complicated or intense, (which is also why it shouldn’t cost this much) so recovery should hopefully only take 2 weeks. My partner Jess will be accompanying me to Montreal, where we will stay for 5 days. This fundraiser is made to help overcome the largest cost barriers. I will still have to pay for food, travel to/from the care facility, and take time-off of work.

- Surgery $6185

- Flight ~$520

- Accommodation ~$500

- GoFundMe 3% Fee

Total $7500

Your support, whether through donation or by sharing this fundraiser with others, means the world to me. Anything helps!! I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read my story and helping me to pursue a future as my authentic self! I was very hesitant to share this as I know times are tough for a lot of people, so thank you!!

Any funds exceeding the goal will be redirected to support other queer fundraisers in need.