Help Lana Afford FFS

Hi! I know this is a bit long but please read it if you have a moment :) My name is Alana and I'm a trans woman living in Brooklyn, NY. Many people know me from my twitter account @estrozeneca. Others know me as a house music deejay here in Brooklyn. Still others know me as the mysterious tall blonde trans girl they seem to always see on the train.

 

I began transitioning almost 3 years ago, and have been on hormones for just over 2 years. I have been able to experience joy i've never known by watching my body change due to these hormones. Ive also spent a TON of time learning how to do makeup, style feminine clothing, and train my voice. I have remained focused, come so far, and I'm incredibly grateful for all the progress I've made.

 

But one thing I can't change with hormones or effort is the structure of my face. Testosterone & male puberty gave me certain masculine features that are difficult to look at and almost impossible to hide. I have been harassed in public several times because of this. Additionally, I had injuries skateboarding as a teenager (broken nose, fractured chin) that left my face asymmetrical & even less feminine. Every photograph I take & put on the internet, including the one for this fundraiser, is taken from the same selective angle so that nobody can tell. It's embarrassing, and it causes deep stress to know that there is only one solution, and I unfortunately need help in paying for the super high cost of it. That solution is FFS (Facial Feminization Surgery)

 

I really cant express how much I want this; how much I need this. Looking in the mirror everyday can be overwhelmingly depressing sometimes. I transitioned late enough that some people said I would never succeed or get a positive outcome. I have put in the work, and proved them wrong, but this particular hurdle just cant be overcome with hard work alone. Sadly, being clocked as male due to my face has put me in dangerous situations multiple times in the past. I'm deeply ashamed to ask for help, I don't think I deserve it more than others, but I need to be honest and admit that I need it. There's no way to accurately describe how thankful I am for any donations. Being a bar worker & deejay puts this financially way out of reach for years (possibly ever) and I can no longer pretend I'm OK with waiting. Please, if you can find it in your heart to help me reach this goal, I will never forget your kindness as long as I live.

 

This surgery is perhaps the most sought after trans-feminine surgery, but ironically (and infuriatingly) is not covered by any insurance. The average cost of this surgery is between 20,000$-50,000$ depending on variables. Additionally, I need dental work to fix my teeth that will cost 4,000$-8,000$. I'm asking for 40,000$ with the goal of also saving 5,000$-10,000$ more on my own. This covers the surgery & teeth as well as the travel, lodging, food, healing time & other costs.

 

Any help spreading this fundraiser is deeply appreciated in addition to donations. My potential network is large but every single bit of reach is beneficial. Thank you for taking the time to read & considering lending help. I owe you the world.

 

Love Always~

Lana