Help Juliana get FFS

Hi everyone,

I believe many of you know that in November of 2020 I decided to share with everyone in my life that I am transgender. I kept my story and situation pretty private for a period before then, only telling a few close friends. So as the end of 2020 neared I decided it was time for me to let the rest of the people around me know who I really am and have always been. Mentally, I feel that I began transitioning a long time ago. I waited my whole life to be the person I was meant to be. And I feel like I waited a long time for permission to be that person. But the only one who could give it to me was myself. So I did. And so I’m doing all the things that I thought I might not ever have the courage to do. Many of us, myself included may feel like we wait for the perfect time do go through with something. But obviously if we do that we'll wait forever. So I’m learning to just go for it.

That being said, yesterday I received a consultation from a doctor here in Atlanta who I plan on having my facial feminization surgery (FFS) done with. I really didn’t think I’d ever get to this point so it feels surreal to be doing things I’ve always dreamt of. As of right now, ffs is the only procedure(s) I’d like done. That may change or it may not.

I partly believe in “finding yourself” but I absolutely believe in creating yourself. Our bodies are precious vessels that carry us through this life and we get to decide as individuals how we decorate it, modify it, how we take care of it and how we love it. It’s different for each of us and it is special as it is also sacred. Our bodies are our temples and our homes.

I know some people may not understand why I or anyone for that matter wants surgery. But for me personally, it’s a treatment to a great deal of dysphoria. I do love myself, I love my body and I’d like to think I’m a pretty fearlessly confident person. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I wasn’t. However, we don’t always feel like the best versions of ourselves each and evert day. So if you can make a choice to help yourself be it mentally, physically or emotionally..do it. So I’m making that choice.

As a trans woman and a trans person, I find it difficult constantly putting my trauma, my struggles and my vulnerable moments up for display. You may ask why I do it then. I do it as a reminder. A reminder that I and all trans folks are simply human and that we want many of the same things everyone does. To live a happy and healthy life. Unfortunately for us it’s often difficult to do that. Many of the simple joys in life are things we don’t get to experience or they are things we are left out of. Employment discrimination, income inequality, lack of proper healthcare access and just generally being misunderstood by so many people are just a few of the things we as trans folks have to face daily.

I’m sure many can relate, but for me asking for help is very hard. But after doing all the math I’ve realized that at this time in my life I’m not positive that I can pay for my procedures entirely on my own. So I’m here to ask for the help of my community, friends, strangers and whoever feels like they’d like to/have the means to help me along my journey. I completely understand if you can’t and greatly appreciate anyone just reading my story. I believe in kindness and I live my life by it and know that it will always circle back to me. If you can help in anyway even if it’s just showing kindness or by sharing, that’s more than enough. I will be forever grateful.

All my love

jp