Micah's Top Surgery Fund: Embracing My True Self

Dear friends, chosen fam, coworkers, total strangers, and generous internet angels:

My name is Micah, and I’m asking for your help to make something really big, and really beautiful, happen...

I’m getting top surgery.

And I need a little (okay, more like a lot of) help getting there.

This is something I’ve thought about, longed for, and quietly dreamed about for quite some time now. For years, I’ve lived with chest dysphoria that impacts everything from how I dress, move, exist in public spaces, and feel in my own skin. I’ve tried to make peace with a body that doesn’t quite fit by using binders, TransTape, and strategic angles to get by. But no amount of compression or extra loose shirts can replace the relief of finally being seen as yourself, by yourself. Binding daily has taken its physical toll, and emotionally… it's exhausting. This surgery means freedom. It means rest. It means me.

Top surgery isn’t just a cosmetic decision. It’s a life-affirming, gender-affirming, mental-health-saving step toward being whole. It’s the difference between tolerating my body and actually living in it.

The (not-so-fun) financial reality:

Even with partial insurance coverage, the costs are steep. Surgery itself, recovery gear, medical supplies, and taking a few weeks off work to heal... it all adds up fast. I'm, already looking into providing photography services at discounted rates, but that will only get me so far so... Right now, my goal is to raise $6,500 to help cover (assuming insurance will cover a portion of the procedure):

Any extra funds will go toward unexpected recovery expenses and be paid forward to support other trans folks in need.

Why I’m asking and why it matters:

Because community care is how we survive. Because trans healthcare is under constant attack. Because asking for help is hard, but living in a body that doesn’t feel like yours is harder.

Also, asking for help is hard. Like, really hard. I grew up with the belief that independence = success. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that community care is everything. We’re not meant to do this alone.

And honestly? Because I want to look in the mirror and just breathe.

No constant adjusting. No hiding. Just me, finally free to take up space as myself.

So I’m choosing vulnerability. I’m choosing to ask. I’m choosing to believe that people care enough to help me cross this finish line... whether you can give a little or a lot, or even just share this around, you are helping make that possible. Every bit helps, and every bit means the world.

If you’ve ever wondered how to support the trans community, this is one way.

Every donation is a step toward healing. Every share is an act of solidarity.

Your support isn’t just funding a surgery, it’s helping a person feel more whole.

Thank you, from the bottom of my queer little heart and the tip of my (soon to be flat) chest for showing up for me. Truly. For reading, donating, cheering me on, or just sending a good vibe into the universe for me.

So if you’ve got $5, a rich uncle, or a strong group chat, now’s the time. If you’re broke (same), a share, a shout-out, or a prayer to the universe is just as holy.

In return for your investment, I promise to live my best life, be happy, and always be shirtless (or at least wear more cut-off T's, weather permitting).

So please... Let’s make this happen and help me get these tiddies yeeted!

With deep gratitude and at least 50% more dad jokes post-op,

Micah

(flat chest pending✨)

P.S. If you donate and want a ridiculous thank-you, I will 100% name a plant after you, write an emotional AF thank you note, or send you a recovery selfie with a popsicle. (Yes, I’m serious. I’m not above bribery.)

P.P.S. GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE SAVES LIVES!