Hi, my name is Orchid. I'm a 26 year old transgender woman seeking assistance funding my facial feminisation surgery, as well as some other medical costs.

It's an unfortunate fact that, on top of helping me feel more comfortable in my own skin, FFS will significantly reduce the friction I experience in everyday life. Like many trans women, the harassment I experience on a regular basis just for trying to live my life is a source of acute distress -- to say nothing of possible risks to my physical safety.

Sadly, until now my ability to reach my transition goals has been stunted by a combination of health concerns (including Hodgkin lymphoma and muscle tension dysphonia), which have prevented me from seeking and maintaining consistent employment. After several years of struggling with my heath and housing security, my dysphoria has become increasingly severe, leading to the creation of this fundraiser. It's extremely difficult to pick yourself up by your bootstraps when you haven't been able to stand on stable ground.

On top of my dysphoria, the muscle tension dysphonia in my throat has also become an increasingly serious source of discomfort. I am seeking treatment for this condition via a speech pathologist, however this is an expense that is currently outside my means. The fact I am struggling to afford gender affirming care and regular healthcare at the same time is, as I'm sure you can imagine, extremely painful.

If you're able to donate or even just spread this fundraiser around, I would be enormously grateful. Your support truly means the world to me.