Hello there! For those of you who don't know me, my name is Piper. I am a non-binary adult living in Portland, Oregon. It took me a long time to come to understand that I am non-binary, but one thing has always been true for me: I am physically and emotionally uncomfortable having a "female" chest, let alone a large one. It causes me daily physical pain, and what I have come to understand as dysphoria and dysmorphia within my own body and gender identity. My chest doesn't align with who I am and this surgery will make me feel more like myself.
I am fortunate enough to have health insurance through the state, but it won't be enough to offset the cost of two months off of work for my recovery, plus all the medical supplies I need and the costs of rent and utility bills, groceries and meals during recovery.
It is both thrilling and daunting to have this life changing procedure on the horizon. My surgery is April 18th. Money has been very tight of late, so any contributions you can make--big or small--would make a difference in my life and mean the world to me.
I cannot wait to be living my best post-surgery life, fully recovered and experiencing more gender euphoria and less physical and emotional pain on a more regular basis.
Thank you for your support, financially or otherwise.
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So what is Top Surgery? It is a surgery that removes or augments breast tissue and reshapes the nipples and chest to create a more masculine or feminine appearance for transgender and nonbinary people. In my case, it is going to be the removal of most of my breast tissue, reconstructed into a more gender neutral chest--think masculine but not super gym bro. I have the honor of being Dr. Blair Peters' patient, who is also a non-binary surgeon, and a renowned educator at OHSU. I am incredibly excited and honored to be able to get this life changing surgery, but despite it being an outpatient procedure, the recovery will be a long road.
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If you'd like to learn more about top surgery and other gender affirming care, I recommend that you follow Dr. Blair Peters on Instagram. @queersurgeon