Hey guys! I’m Kris (they/them/theirs) and it deeply saddens me to have to write this.

I’ve held off on asking for help as previously I had a good paying job and was saving up and then layoffs happened and then when I got a new job my insurance benefits would have covered top surgery but lost that job and my insurance benefits with it. I’ve never wanted to burden others but I’ve reached a point where I am gravely concerned about my safety out in the world because I have not had top surgery yet.

God or whomever is the correct deity truly did give the biggest chest to the most nonbinary warrior. It is very difficult (and painful) to fully hide and that’s with double binding with binders that are way too tight. Physically, not having top surgery causes a lot of back, shoulder and neck pain, restricts my movement, and has on a few occasions caused bruised ribs. Binding is painful and uncomfortable but I put myself through this every single day because without binding it’s also uncomfortable, causes extreme dysphoria, makes it much easier to identify me as trans causing me fear for my safety, and not a moment goes by with or without the binder that I don’t think about how much I want my chest gone. If you have spent any time with me, I’m sure you know this. I have been on testosterone for 15 months at the time of writing this and am somewhat cis passing especially at work where my uniform does a good job hiding my chest. My facial hair has been coming in, my voice is much deeper, my body is changing, and the only thing that is a major giveaway is my chest. With the government regime currently in office, the increase in vitriol against trans people has already increased. I also live in Texas where it’s an open carry state and there really aren’t protections for people like me. I have already experienced being followed from a bus stop, threats of sexual assault to “show me I’m a woman since I seem confused” and I already know it’s going to get worse and am afraid of reaching a point where it’s too late to get surgery. I know things are really tight for everyone right now but any help you’re able to contribute is greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten. I am only asking for money to cover the surgery and a month of expenses while I recover. The exact amount I’m trying to raise is $12,000 with it being $8-$10k for surgery and then the remaining being towards expenses as I currently am a server job hunting and don’t currently get any type of PTO. If there’s any remaining beyond what I need, I will be paying it forward to another person seeking gender affirming care.

All the love,

Kris