Keoni’s Recovery from Top Surgery

Gender dysphoria, as explained by the Mayo Clinic, is the feeling of discomfort or distress that might occur in people whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth or sex-related physical characteristics. Gender dysphoria is often helped by transitioning socially as well as physically.

 

Māhū, as explained by the University of Hawaii at Manoa: In Hawaiian or Kanaka Maoli culture, gender is not a binary concept. Kānaka Maoli acknowledged those who did not simply identify as male or female. The third gender is the māhū, or “the in-between.” This Hawaiian term is used to characterize someone who embodies both kāne (male) and wahine (female) spirit.

Seven months ago, my brother Keoni chose to be his true authentic self and let us all know that he was born into the wrong gendered body and that he did not identify as female but as a male. At that same time, he started HRT injections with testosterone which has helped immensely with his gender dysphoria and his transition to male.

He is set to have top surgery later this month to remove his breast tissue to create a masculine chest- the chest he has always wanted…the body he has always wanted, and I couldn’t be happier for him. I do not know what it is like to be born in the wrong gender/sex, but I can only imagine it to be mentally and physically exhausting and confusing. My brother is the strongest most incredible human I have ever met, and I am in constant awe of his bravery in becoming his true authentic self regardless of the backlash and societal opinions (which there are a lot of these days). He constantly gives to others and never expects anything back in return. His heart is often too big as he cares for everyone around him giving and giving and giving but now it is time for him to rest and be there for himself. It is time for him to meet his biggest need- gender affirming surgery.

The recovery time for his surgery is at least four weeks. Due to a previous back injury, gallbladder surgery, and covid he no longer has any paid time off. Luckily, he has one of the smartest and empathetic doctor and surgeon who oversee his medical care and insurance that is helping to cover his surgery.

This GoFundMe is to help cover any additional medical expenses that his insurance will not cover and to help with his recovery. The cost of living has skyrocketed, especially in the islands, and I would like to help take some of that financial burden off him and his wife so he can have the time he needs to recover.

 

Any little bit helps and if giving is not doable right now (we’re all paycheck to paycheck over here so I truly understand) sharing this gofundme helps a ton as well.

 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support of my brother and all LGBTQ+ individuals. Love always has, and always will win.

To view a breathtaking short film on the history of and cultural significance of māhū click the link Kapaemahu