Remy's new chest

Hey, this is one of my oldest friends, Remy. He is a Transgender man, and he finally has top surgery on the horizon. Generally, the waiting list for these appointments are long, however, Remy has the opportunity to secure an appointment in October. Top surgery is expensive. The costs are upwards of $15000, and it’s not deemed a medical necessity by Medicare, so hardly any costs are covered. That figure doesn’t even include any follow up appointments, and any living expenses that will have to be covered without work during this precarious time. But this is a medical necessity, as it affects people’s mental health. Binding takes a massive physical and mental toll. It’s irritating and constricting, making basic activities more challenging and sometimes dangerous. Plus, trans people face many dangers in a society that can be transphobic.
I have known Remy since I was 15 and in those 9 years I have never seen him as happy as he is now living his life as the gender he was meant to be. But I know having this surgery will mean more to him than anyone could imagine. There are still so many simple things that cis people take for granted that trans people are either denied or take part in with great fear and anxiety. Going to the beach with no shirt or get dressed without binding and to go clothes shopping without being conscious of being misgendered are such simple activities that are made so much easier by having top surgery. Generally, these surgeries can have long waits. In the public system, it can be years and privately, generally at least 6 months. Remy has managed to be offered a date much sooner. Due to the how close it is, any donations that can assist him in being able to secure this will forever be appreciated, and improve his quality of life in ways we can only imagine.