Help! Pt.2 Gender Affirming Care and recovery.

Hey Y'all! I chose almost a year ago to put my dreams and career as a massage therapist on hold because of negative perceptions of others about gender and the massage industry. This choice was difficult for me as I believe that massage and bodywork, along with my many other skills and empathic traits, constitute a significant part of my life's purpose. I decided to put myself first for a change to take care of my needs in dealing with gender dysphoria and safety as a trans woman living her life in a state and society that is inundated with false and negative associations with trans people.

I took a drastic decrease in income to work for Starbucks for their supplemental insurance plan that supported transgender partners receiving gender-affirming care. The 1st portion was covered, but SBUX has since changed its policies and dropped the supplemental health plan that would have covered my continuation of care and 2nd portion of my procedures. I am running into issues with the new insurance provider and policies concerning in-network coverage.

I researched and chose the surgeon I knew would provide the highest quality of care for my face, and I had seen and spoken with several other SBUX employees that have worked with them in the past and were able to use that supplemental plan. My surgeon of choice has the most experience in this area. I trust them over anyone else for this surgical treatment and several procedures that other surgeons do not offer. Other surgeons are usually not inclined to finish a procedure that was started by someone else, and I do not have complete confidence in their results. My goal amount is not an arbitrary number but the cost of the procedures if my insurance chooses to decline my coverage.

The completion of this surgery is beyond important in realizing my authentic self. Also, my face is the first thing people see when meeting someone, as well as helping my confidence to pursue my dreams of serving others and embodying their authentic selves. Yes, I deal with daily anxiety that someone will notice certain aspects of my face and would lash out negatively because of the depiction of trans people in the media. Even though that is improving as more people are open-minded, and there is more positive representation.

I bust my butt at work to cover my expenses. Without the support of the insurance that I pay good money for, I can not afford to have this medically necessary surgery that includes the removal of a tissue expander under my scalp that was supposed to come out mid-November. Still, due to significant financial setbacks, I have to wait till April to raise and save money to return for my procedure.

My Goal amount only covers the surgery itself and not travel, lodging, and taking time off work to recover from a significant procedure.

Any support would mean the world to me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your contributions and compassionate care from one human to another.

In humble gratitude,

Claire Echo Blackmoon

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