Hi loves! After more than a decade of what I now know was gender dysphoria, I started transitioning three years ago. I was not at all sure about whether it was the right path, but I figured it couldn't be worse than where I was at the time. I'm so happy I took that step, which has brought my mind and body in line with one another and led me to live a full and authentic life.

Now, I'm taking another significant step with gender-affirming surgery, which will continue the alignment between mind and body I've been working on for the last three years. Many of the remaining limits I still place on myself as a trans woman are driven by physical characteristics that neither hormones nor cosmetic procedures can correct. I'm looking forward to having the comfort and confidence to do things like just go to the pool or the beach and not have to think twice about going to the bathroom in public or wearing tighter shorts or pants.

As many of you know, the last year and a half has been very challenging for all trans people due to the political landscape. Simply living as our authentic selves should not be a matter of debate, and neither should our healthcare. Unfortunately, the time and place we find ourselves in is just that: a time in which who should receive what healthcare is a matter of debate.

If you're not familiar, gender-affirming care was banned for federal plans by policy beginning January 1, 2026. While I took a number of steps to try to avoid the negative repercussions of this change, such as acquiring secondary insurance and rushing approvals ahead of the deadline, these efforts were in vain. In late July, I learned that due to the policy, my surgery was denied and would be cancelled unless I paid out of pocket. Additionally, due to the denial, the surgery would be postponed until I could demonstrate sufficient financial capacity.

Fortunately, I was able to receive a 65% need-based discount based on my income and net worth, but the surgery and associated costs, notably surgery facilities, anesthesia, and recovery lodging, are still quite high. I've begun establishing various financial instruments to allow for the surgery to go forward in early October, but I nevertheless can't cover it all.

And so, with great humility, I turn to my community once again. The same community who has shown up time and again with a listening ear, a drink, a meal, or even a roof and a bed. The same community that has been a family, there for the best of times and the worst.

Whether you've known me for a few months or since long before I was called Mattie, you've been a part of my story, and I'm so happy you have been. Know that every contribution is significant, and I am so deeply appreciative. Thank you for being here.

If you would prefer to donate to an organization, donations can be directed to either Advocates for Transgender Equality (A4TE), who create resources for trans people and lobby for our equal protection, or Human Rights Campaign (HRC), who have shown up repeatedly in court to defend our right to exist.