
Help me say this with my whole chest
Donation protected
I am another trans man, aiming to get top surgery. Another trans person with limited or no insurance coverage for gender dysphoria. You probably know the drill already.
My story: I've known I was trans since I was little. I played on boys' sports teams, got in line in school with the boys before being corrected, ruined my pink outfits as a kid, and never wore a shirt. When I came out as a lesbian when I was 16, I felt relieved but still felt like it wasn't the whole story. Deep down, I knew, but I was too scared to be honest with myself, let alone with people around me. So, I learned to shove it down. After many, many years of doing this, my mental health finally gave out. Depression hit rock bottom. Anxiety hit rock bottom. And I couldn't hide anymore. I got therapy. I got honest with myself. And I am learning every day to stop people-pleasing. That's why it took me so long to come out as trans. People-pleasing. It sounds so silly now, but it was real. What if I lose people? What will people think? What if I'm too old to start? What if I choose to start transitioning and the president changes things? What if people think I'm a freak? So many things I worried about and questioned. But I never questioned if I was trans. I know. I've always known. But I was scared to live authentically, especially in times like this. But I'm done. I don't care anymore. Like my fiancée told me, I am the one who has to live in this body forever, so choose your hard.
And I choose to live authentically, as complicated as it may be. Even if I lose people. Even if I am treated differently. Even if I am told I'm too old. Even if the damn president bans me. I will still exist. We all will.
I will say this with my whole chest, I am a trans man. I'm just hoping you can help me pay for a chest that I feel more euphoric standing with.
I know times are tough for everyone. Anything helps. If you can't donate, share please. Let's get rid of these bois. Thank you all
Organizer
Shannon Bernardi
Organizer
Hamilton, OH