Hey all ! My name's Jude :]c and I've been out as transgender for almost 6 years. I've been on hormones for 3 out those 6 years (had to stop due to health complications) and the changes it brought to me have changed my life in ways that I can't explain and made me feel things that I couldn't even imagine I could feel. The euphoria from transforming into the person I was meant to be these last 6 years have given me the strength to keep going and the support of my best friends and my partner means so much to me !

However... I don't have the support of my family. When I cut my hair for the first time, I was kicked out of the house and lived in a motel. When i started hormones, I was told that I would die alone. When I came out as trans, I was told to "just take your own life now." I have also suffered endless abuse and harassment for my transgender identity from my family for many years... threatened with more abuse and homelessness when I was caught with a flag or my chosen name on anything.

It breaks my heart.

I can't deny it, I have severe top dysphoria. Even my transphobic family can admit to this. It's a discomfort that even binding can't fix. I never leave the house without a jacket on no matter the temparature (it was 104° in Texas last week) I've worked manual labor jobs for many years (warehouse worker, outdoor car mechanic, maitenance) yet I couldn't go to work with just a shirt on. Sometimes I feel like I have the confidence to wear a shirt but I end up breaking down and hiding my body even more than before. Not only are summers are ruthless but the entire year is too. Binding gives me almost too much back pain to walk and the pain of having a large chest makes it equally as difficult to work and makes me feel incredibly ashamed. It's been my dream since the day I hit puberty to never have to worry about it ever again.

I have recieved endless support from my loved ones to help me get through my transition and I am forever grateful for it, but I'm asking for that same support again. I'm ready for the next step, which is getting top surgery with Dr. Alan Dulin in Plano, TX. I've done countless hours of research looking into his work, he is one of the most trusted surgeons in the community as well as conveniently in driving distance!

I do have a job currently which I've been saving the money from for years to afford this surgery, but I have a pretty hefty car payment (537$/mo) and other medical bills that keep biting my butt. Which is why I'm finally making a gofundme for this. I need help.

Dr. Dulin does not take my insurance, and even if he did, he has a 1-year testosterone preseription requirement AND a letter from a personal therapist recommending the surgery is medically necessary, which I do not have the funds for a therapist. However, he has financing options which helps me alot! The cost of the surgery itself could be financed. This money would be mostly going towards my hotel cost, as Dr. Dulin requires patients to be in the area for a week after surgery for follow-up appointments to make sure the recovery is going swimmingly. This money will also be going the gas to get to Dallas (I live in San Antonio so it's a 5-hour drive or so) food, post-op care products, and financial compensation for a friend who has to take off work to help me with the driving part and picking me up from the hospital, because my family has very clearly stated that they won't be helping me with this. 1200$ downpayment is required on the day of surgery as well and this fundraiser will help with that !

I love you all, and thank you for reading. ❤️