My name is Melvin Moss, and I am fundraising for my ability to get FMS, otherwise known as Facial Masculinization Surgery. This is a set of possible procedures that can be specific to an individual's anatomy. My goal is to accomplish at least part of this process this year, addressing my most dysphoric area.

I am a trans man in my early thirties and started my transition about a decade ago. As I have progressed through certain milestones that have been significant to me in my transition, I have realized the greatest source of dysphoria I have is the part of me that people see every day: my face. My dysphoria typically hits the hardest when I smile. I struggle to show my smile in photos for this reason.

While theoretically FMS is free on state insurance, it is typically not coded in state insurance because it is so uncommon for trans men and transmasculine people to get this newer form of affirming care. The only providers for this surgery have 3- to 5-year-long waitlists, regardless of private pay or insurance, or they do not take state insurance. State insurance is my only current option for insurance in my income bracket, making this gender-affirming care unaffordable for me.

This particular part of my transition will have to be paid in full out of pocket. And the time that I am in recovery are expenses not fully covered by FMLA, and the time FMLA takes to come in will be months.

I feel blessed to have a wonderful partner to support me physically and assist with my cats during this time, but the money for the surgery and assistance with my regular living expenses during recovery are not remotely affordable for me and my partner. Unfortunately, we also experienced a severe apartment fire that we are still dealing with. This has complicated my plans for surgery next year by exhausting my savings.

The cost of the surgery, on top of the cost of living expenses during recovery, can easily total over 10k. The amount of money is over half of my yearly income. This gender-affirming care isn't possible for me without the support of my community.