Support Abel's Journey to Authenticity

Hello all, l'm Abel, a trans man currently residing in Texas:) I hope to obtain my top surgery (gender-affirming surgery) by August of this year, and I ask for your assistance in bringing the man I know myself to be into reality.

I've been transitioning since 2020 and I remember thinking to myself that

"there would never be a time I would not have to wear a bra". That thought, along with chest dysphoria has felt like a weight shackling me to a version of myself I know I'm not. Luckily, over the years, I found methods to feel more comfortable in my skin through binding and taping. Binding was such a blessing at the time because, for the first time, I felt reassured that living authentically was actually obtainable. However, after years of binding, my ribs became damaged from the consistent compression, and my breathing became constricted to a painful degree. I then gravitated to taping to mitigate the negative physical effects of binding for years, but it marred my skin over time.

While I'm grateful for the ways taping and binding allowed me the opportunity to validate my identity, they posed as a band-aid to the root issue; I just want to exist as the man l am meant to be. With careful consideration and forethought, I have decided that top surgery is the best option for me to finally be able to express myself without self-consciousness. To replace the disconnection I feel in my body with an unmatched connection with myself.

The $10,000 goal is to cover my gender-affirming surgery and recovery. Recovery is included in my monetary goal because it is very important to me that I am able to give my body the time it needs to rehabilitate. This includes not going back to work right away, as abrupt movement may cause adverse effects post-op.

I have always known who I am; I am hoping that, with your support, this GoFundMe will give me the chance to finally exist as myself. Thank you for taking the time to read.

I understand that everyone is not able to make monetary contributions- sharing this GoFundMe on social media can get my story out there and help me reach my goal as well.