I’m Bella. I’m a teacher, a coach, a parent, and a proud trans woman. Earlier this year, I underwent gender-affirming voice surgery—a step I took with so much hope. I wanted my voice to reflect who I am, to feel safe and aligned with my identity.

But something went wrong.

The surgical site tore open during recovery, and the results have been heartbreaking. My voice now carries a painful rasp. I can’t yell or project anymore, which makes teaching and coaching incredibly difficult. I’ve cried more than I can say. I took time to process the loss, to grieve, and now I’m ready to try again.

I need revision surgery to repair the damage and restore my voice—but I can’t afford it.

As a teacher and a parent, my income is stretched thin. I know many of you helped me fund my first surgery, and I’m deeply grateful. I never imagined I’d be asking again. But I must. My voice doesn’t just affect how I sound—it affects how I’m perceived, how safe I feel, how fully I can live as myself.

Right now, my voice outs me. It makes me feel vulnerable and unsafe. I want to walk through the world with confidence, with softness, with a voice that matches the woman I am inside and out.

If you can give, thank you. If you can share, thank you. Every bit of support helps me move closer to healing.

With love and gratitude,

Bella