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Hi everyone!
We are raising these funds for our friend/family/community member Rueben to undergo gender-affirming body masculinization surgery. Rueben who is a 25 year old trans man, unable to work due to disability, and his only source of income is ODSP. Unfortunately this gender-affirming procedure is one that the government does not deem medically necessary, so it isn’t covered by OHIP at all. Rueben does not have any financial (or otherwise) support from family to fall back on.
Body masculinization surgery will greatly improve Rueben’s quality of life in many ways.
“My hips have been the most intense point of dysphoria for me, for as long as I can remember. I’m so glad that with this procedure some of that pain will be alleviated and I will be able to live more freely, and feel more comfortable in public, and with myself.” Being a visibly queer and trans Afro-Indigenous person puts his safety at risk on a daily basis, and unfortunately he has been the target of many acts of discrimination, violence, transphobia, homophobia, racism, the list goes on.
While safety is obviously an important factor behind this surgery, it will also provide so much relief from the daily debilitating gender dysphoria he experiences. This has been a procedure he has been considering for 7 years, but it felt out of reach because of many barriers that have been worked through, except for the cost.
He currently needs $1,836.25 CAD to put down as a 25% deposit in order to secure/book his surgery date. This will go towards the total goal of $7,345.00 CAD, the remaining amount after the deposit needs to be paid between the day of surgery and two weeks after. Despite this we need to ensure that we have raised the full amount before the procedure to prevent debt to the clinic.
The goal is currently firstly set to $10K to account for fees taken by GFM, as well as the extra costs that come with recovery. Though if the fees make the amount received under $8,000 - it will be increased accordingly. (Meaning the true goal is $8,000)
Rueben is hoping to get this procedure done during the last week of October, if enough funds are raised in time to do so. The reason being that he’s a full-time college student, and wants to aim to have the procedure done during his week off school.
Rueben is very passionate about mutual aid, community care and actively engages to support his community.
Now we are asking that our community help us achieve this important next step in his transition.
We’ve attached the quote from the clinic Rueben received during his consultation.
Information about the procedure if you’re curious:
