Hello all!

My name is Ken, and I’m SO, so happy to announce that I’ve finally received a date for chest masculinizing top surgery! This is a HUGE step that I’ve been slowly working towards over the years, and it feels surreal to finally have a set date. On January 8th, 2026, I had my final consultation for the surgery, and as of March 26th, 2026, I will officially be free of one of my life’s biggest challenges and anxieties- my chest.

To be vulnerable for a moment, my chest has been the single most long-lasting and profound source of pain, panic, and anxiety in my life, period. Panic attacks, depression, binding (safely and otherwise), avoiding social interaction, refusing to look at myself in the mirror for over a decade- so many negative experiences and feelings surround my relationship with my chest. Since the day I began noticing my chest developing as a wee young lad, I have been HORRIFIED by it, constantly searching for any way to reverse that growth. I’ve been on testosterone for four years now and have experienced many wanted and deeply needed changes to my body since then. My chest, however, only seemed to grow and grow.

Because of the current political climate, I was honestly a little pessimistic about whether this day would ever even arrive. But now, there is a real, tangible date and time for this to happen. It still feels insanely surreal- I cried in my car after my consultation appointment, overwhelmed with joy and relief that this was finally confirmed!

While this is something I’ve been dreaming of and planning for a long time, I honestly expected it to happen a lot later than 2 and a half months from now (omg i'm excited all over again! that's so soon!) I’m absolutely and obviously not upset about how soon it is, but it does mean I’m a little early in my savings journey, which is where you all come in. Even with insurance covering most of the procedure, my out-of-pocket costs are expected to be around $5,000. When factoring in post-surgery expenses and time off work, it ends up being more than I’ll have saved by then.

I know it’s a lot to ask, but if anyone is willing and able to put anything towards my surgery costs, that would be TREMENDOUSLY appreciated. Any amount is incredibly helpful, and even just sharing this with those around you means more than I can put into words. To everyone who has supported me and continues to support me in any way- financially, emotionally, physically, or simply by being a kind and encouraging presence in my life, thank you. I am endlessly grateful for all of you.

I love you all, thank you for reading, you are beautiful, trans is beautiful, be yourself no matter the pushback, EVERYONE deserves to feel good inside and out, and... IT’S GONNA BE A SHIRTLESS SUMMER 2026 LETSGOOOOOO!!!!