Hi, my name is Ryley Willow McGee, and I’m a trans woman fundraising to help cover out-of-pocket expenses for a gender-affirming orchiectomy. This procedure is a vital step in aligning my body with who I am and will bring me peace, comfort, and healing. Any support, financial, emotional, or simply sharing, means the world.

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Full Story:

Hi, I’m Ryley, a 25-year-old trans woman living in East Texas.

I’ve known who I am since I was a child. I remember going to the beach and not wanting to take off my shirt because it made me feel like I was exposed. When I told my father I felt “nude,” he looked at me and said, “You’re not a girl.” That moment stuck with me not because he was trying to be cruel, but because something inside me knew differently. I am a girl. I always have been.

Now, after nearly two years on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), I’m finally preparing to take the next step in my medical transition: an orchiectomy, which is the removal of the testes. This isn’t just about surgery; it’s about peace. It’s about no longer feeling at odds with my body or dealing with the effects of testosterone that make me feel alien in my own skin.

My testes still produce testosterone, which works against my estrogen and causes intense dysphoria, mood swings, and physical changes that are hard to fight off. Removing them would stop that internal battle, give me emotional stability, and allow me to more fully settle into my body. I want to be able to go swimming in public and not feel afraid that someone will notice something and misgender me. I want to wear the clothes I love without fear. I want to look in the mirror and feel at peace.

While my health insurance will cover most of the procedure, I live in a conservative area and am navigating care through a non-affirming PCP, which adds complications. I’m working with FOLX Health, an affirming telehealth provider, to help me get my letters and prior authorization submitted. I’m doing everything right, but even with coverage, I still need help affording the out-of-pocket costs, recovery supplies, and transportation.

I’m asking for $1000 to cover:

My deductible and co-insurance fees

Travel and/or lodging (if the nearest affirming surgeon is out-of-town)

A few days of food and supplies for recovery

Possibly time off work for healing

If you can donate, whether it’s $5 or $50—or even share this page, it would mean the absolute world to me. Your support helps more than just my physical body, it gives me space to breathe, to heal, and to exist in this world a little more safely and authentically.

Thank you for reading my story and standing with me. As this story continues, I will update this page with my progress and try to be as open as I can.

With gratitude and love,

Ryley Willow McGee

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FAQ & Where Your Support Goes:

Q: Is your surgery covered by insurance?

Yes! I’m on a BCBSTX HMO plan that should cover the bulk of the surgery. However, I still need help with the deductible, coinsurance, travel, and recovery expenses.

Q: Why do you need surgery?

An orchiectomy will stop my testosterone production, reduce dysphoria, help regulate my mood, and allow me to feel more at home in my body. This isn’t cosmetic, it’s necessary for my mental and emotional health.

Q: Are you working with a doctor?

Yes. I’m working with FOLX Health to obtain the proper referral letters and help navigate insurance authorization.

Q: Can I help without donating?

Absolutely. Sharing this campaign and leaving kind comments or encouragement is also deeply appreciated.

my name is Ryley Willow McGee (you may see 'Ryan' listed as organizer due to banking/legal name requirements, but go by Ryley). Thank you for respecting my name."