Help Lucas Achieve His Transition Goals

Hey there! My name is Lucas, and I'm a trans man in Texas. I'm approximately two years into my journey on testosterone, and the further into the journey I grow, the more I desperately want top surgery.

For starters, I work in a hospital. Transferring patients (getting patients in and out of bed, or into a chair to rest) is physically demanding work. Even though I work in a role that doesn't require transfers, I want to be a productive, helpful member of my hospital staff and do as much for patients as I can. Binding my chest daily inhibits my ability to physically assist in harder transfers. On top of that, binding in the heat of summer is physically exhausting!

There's also a lot of dysphoria with my chest. I've lost a lot of weight, and would like to start exercising to keep getting towards the body I want. Unfortunately, I can't weight lift like this- you can't lift too much weight in a binder, and I can't go to the gym with my mismatched physical appearance. So I can't do the kinds of exercise I'd like to! And I can't even swim!

Finding the liquid funds to get surgery is hard. So much of this process is already expensive-- changing my name and gender markers, changing my medical licensure, my wedding certificate, things like that. Monthly medications add up, and it's tough sometimes. Top surgery, at this point, is a far off dream without some level of assistance.

For a Breakdown of Costs:

6,000: My out of pocket max. What I would be paying for the surgery, hospital stay, anesthesia

1,000: Post-surgical binders, medication, and drain checks, provided by the clinic

2,500: Rent and groceries for the month I would be out of work (1700 rent, 800 groceries)

This amount would cover my surgery, and also provide me the time off of work to recover. You can't do a lot after top surgery, and it would leave my household- where I'm the primary earner- in a tough spot.

The reason I am seeking 12k is the following:

10k - directly to the surgeon, who offers a cash package for anesthesia, recovery, and the surgery process. The surgeon is very well known for success with top surgery, and is local to my area! The process would be incredibly easy to recover from, with the support of my wife. Which brings me to:

2k- rent and groceries for a month's recovery. Recovery from the surgery takes four weeks; I won't be able to be on my feet, and will have to take leave at that time. My wife and I have to stay alive somehow!

Please feel free to reach out with any questions!

Thanks so much for taking a look. Even if you can't donate, spreading the word helps!