Rya’s Gender-Affirming Surgery

Thank you so much for being here!

I am organizing this page to support my partner Rya as they recover from top surgery. Rya is a transgender, non-binary person who is one among many individuals long awaiting gender-affirming medical care. Their time has arrived, and surgery will take place in just two days on December 15th!

In humility and with gratitude, we are seeking a continuation of the immense support you’ve already provided us on this journey together.

Rya works professionally as a rock climbing instructor, guide, and youth climbing coach. They are deeply dedicated to supporting humans of all abilities (and especially youth) in accessing joy, empowerment, and freedom through movement -- particularly in outdoor spaces. Recently, their work has more deliberately focused on increasing the accessibility of climbing programming for Queer and Trans folks. This mission and vision has become especially relevant in light of ongoing political attacks on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Top surgery requires a total pause from climbing (and any other strenuous movement) for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. Because their career and livelihood relies wholly on this activity, a lengthy recovery creates considerable financial difficulty. Despite this, surgery remains a necessary part of Rya’s gender process to feel fully themselves, whole and confident in their body, and able to continue serving as a leader and resource for their community.

If you know them personally, you are surely aware that a key component of Rya’s identity and life pursuits involves a gravitation to outdoor adventure. Equally motivating is a commitment to celebrating and supporting the people around them in their own goals, in sport or otherwise.

Rya is currently hard at work pursuing advanced certifications with the American Mountain Guide Association, and has aspirations of one day being credentialed as an American Mountain Guide and IFMGA guide: the highest level of certification that exists globally. This years-long process is one involving countless hours of preparation, required objectives, and professional guide work, and will itself cost thousands of dollars in requisite coursework and related travel.

Rya believes that this is all critical to the diversification of the guiding profession, and understands that representation is a foundational piece of the puzzle toward true equity in outdoor-based education and adventure sports communities. Currently, there are no known transgender guides certified at the highest level within the AMGA. Their aim is to change that.

Rya approached affirming their internal identity by way of medical transitioning with HRT treatments this past May. This has been totally life changing for them. They have described the experience as “recognizing for the first time in the mirror the human looking back at them” because of this physical evolution. Top surgery is the other vital component to this process for Rya, and we are so grateful that this form of care is an available option where we currently live in Portland, OR.

Your Support Has A Tremendous Impact:

Even in Oregon -- one of the least restrictive states to offer gender-affirming care -- many people are currently forced to wait 3-5 years to commence their medical transition or surgery. Nationwide, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming individuals face legal, insurance, and other systemic barriers to securing life-saving care. Too many will spend years battling bureaucracy and medical gate-keeping, only to find that services are not covered or are financially inaccessible. Rya is aware that without the support of their friends and loved ones, this ongoing journey towards recognizing their gender and living fully and freely in the world would not be possible. Their hope is to lift up the Queer and Trans community by providing a voice of encouragement and experience to those seeking gender-affirming treatments, as one who is also a beneficiary of these important services.

How Your Contributions Will Help:

All funds raised will go toward out-of-pocket surgery and recovery costs. This encompasses a variety of needs: medications and supplies, and holistic health care such as physical therapy, acupuncture, medical massage, etc. -- all necessary aspects of getting back to full and functional activity as quickly as possible. Contributions will also help to cover lost wages and basic living expenses (food, rent, utilities) while Rya and I pause and modify our work schedules during this period of recovery.

If the goal is met and there are additional funds, all money will be donated to Out in the Wild’s educational programming and climbing summer camps for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth climbers. 2023 will bring about the first-ever opportunities for young Queer and Trans humans to climb with peers and members of their community at Smith Rock, OR. Please visit Out In The Wild or @outinthewild on instagram for more info on this great company and the work they are doing!

Other Support is also SO welcome!

We know that it’s not always possible to give financially, and we believe strongly in the beauty of community care in its many forms. If you are in a position to prepare a meal, send words of affirmation and encouragement, hang out with our sweet pup, or anything else you have capacity to contribute, we genuinely and deeply appreciate it!

Please also consider sharing this and circulating in your communities and on your social media platforms. If you would feel more comfortable donating directly, Venmo is a great option. You can find us @amy-liss or @rya-sipe.

Finally, for updates and info on Rya, feel free to check in with them on instagram @pocketsizesasquatch.

We are endlessly grateful for your continued love, affirmation, and support! We truly wouldn’t be here without you.

With love and gratitude,

Amy (she/her) & Rya (they/them)