Hello! My name is Naomi and I am a nonbinary/gender-nonconforming person in need of top surgery.

After speaking with friends, family, therapists, and medical professionals, along with years of contemplation and self-reflection, I am confident that top surgery is the right next step for me. I know that this procedure will improve my quality of life and will allow me to feel fully at peace in my body. For many trans/nb people, myself included, top surgery is a medical necessity needed to alleviate gender dysphoria.

I am grateful to have Canadian citizenship and to live/work in Toronto. My provincial health insurance provides funding to trans/nb people for gender affirming surgeries, which is very cool and good (America, take note!). However, not every surgeon accepts this funding, and the ones who do have EXTREMELY long waitlists. The surgeon I originally wanted to go to, for example, had a waitlist of 2.5 - 3 years. Although the surgery would come at little to no cost, I’m at a point where I simply cannot wait this long for this medically necessary procedure.

Because of the years-long waitlists, I have made the difficult decision to pay out-of-pocket so I can access the care I need ASAP. I have decided on a surgeon, whose clinic is located in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. I’ve submitted all the necessary paperwork and if all goes according to plan, my surgery date will be set for this September. Unfortunately, living in the most expensive city in Canada, being paid below a living wage, and the effects of inflation mean I am unable to pay for this surgery on my own. I will also be on short-term disability during my recovery, earning only 66% of my take-home pay.

The total cost of my surgery is $9,000 USD. All of the funds earned will go directly to this cost.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my situation. Any donation or sharing of this fundraiser is so deeply appreciated.

Boiling hot regards,

Naomi :) <3 !!!