Support Monica's Bottom Surgery Fund

Hi! I'm Monica, and I'm here asking for support for my upcoming bottom surgery. I've been medically transitioning since 2019, and pursuing bottom surgery has been one of the most necessary but daunting steps in this journey. For many years this procedure has felt out of reach, but I've finally found the right combination of stable employment, a good health insurance plan, and supportive friends and loved ones to help me through recovery.

Medically transitioning has been the best decision I have ever made, and I want to invite you to help me take the next big step of my transition by donating to this fundraiser, helping me to get a body I feel comfortable, living, loving and growing old with.

For those who don't know me, I'm the head bartender at Mary's Bar in Pittsburgh. I make drinks behind the bar, design the cocktail menus, and generally make sure everything runs smoothly throughout the night. If you've ever been to Mary's and wondered "who put this beautiful violent gay 90's movie on the TV?" that's me. I'm also an avid photographer and a devoted friend. (And I'm SO so tired from the hours of electrolysis every week needed before surgery, friends I miss you!)

My surgery is scheduled with Dr. Christine McGinn at the Papillon Center in New Hope, PA on October 7th! As excited as I am, I'm also nervous to need so much time away from work. I won't be cleared to work on my feet again for at least two months, and depending on healing I may need to work reduced hours after two months as well.

There are also additional costs associated with the surgery that I couldn't pay without help from my community. I'll be staying at an AirBnb in New Hope for two weeks, and I'll also need to buy additional medical supplies and other supports to help with recovery. Your donations will help make sure that I am able to rest through recovery and not rush back to work before my body is ready.

Even if you can't donate, just sharing with people you know would mean so much to me. Thank you all so much for your support!