Hi everyone! My name is Alex(They/Them) and I am transgender, a community member, a cook, a tree nerd, an eager wood carver, creator of ‘cheap art’, a friend, family member, a sibling and so much more! I am so proud and grateful, after many years of transitioning, to be in the position today to be asking for support for my gender affirming top surgery. The road to this point has not been straightforward or easy but I am truly grateful for all the experiences that have brought me to this point. I have had many triumphs and made some mistakes but the constant has been having wonderful people by my side walking through it all with me. It is not natural for any of us to ask for money to provide us with the services that are inherent to our being and I dream of a world where we are all able to access these things despite one’s social, cultural or economic status. So, alas I am going to ask for your help financially around this thing!
A bit more about me: As I have traveled through my gender transition, I have celebrated many triumphs! I became a chef at a restaurant where I was able to directly serve and give back to other trans people with the support of the rest of the team. I graduated culinary school and worked my way through the food industry throughout the various stages of my transition. I feel proud to have worked alongside other Queer industry professionals and even mentor other queer cooks in different places in their careers. A year ago, I returned to school so I can continue to expand my knowledge and give back to the earth and my communities. Along with this, I have taken up work at my school's learning garden. I recently joined an opportunity to serve on a non-profit board for young people who are passionate about environmental health and safety. I like to hope I am something of an advocate for queer, neurodivergent people, mental illness, and other social issues, including a lifelong pursuit of anti-racism. I know that through this surgery I can further stretch my capacity to contribute in my communities and make more of a positive impact in this world.
A constant in my life even as I have made many changes and moves, is that in each place or time I have had beautiful folks who have supported me, loved me, lifted me up, and seen my value in community even when it was hard for me to do it for myself. I am so grateful to all of you who have helped me feel safe and accepted in a world that is still learning to love and celebrate trans people. You have gone with me to doctor appointments, let me crash on your floors or basements, cooked and laughed with me, cried with me, and reminded me of our shared connection as people. I hope that I have also made your worlds brighter along the way. I hope we can celebrate with food and art together soon.
I feel very privileged to have had that support that has gotten me to this point today. This has been not only a dream for a long time but also a light of hope to relieve my symptoms of gender dysphoria. I look forward to relief from the emotional and physical pain that comes from managing these symptoms pre-surgery. (If you want to ask me more about this experience, in well intention and curiosity, I encourage you to do so personally). I have fondly imagined myself moving more meaningfully, intentionally, and embodied in this world in this way. I want to touch my heart. I want to share it even more with you.
Everyone is facing hardship at this time and I have no expectation that anyone will donate to my funds that do not have the means to do so comfortably or willingly. I would love, whether you are able to financially contribute or not, to hear your words of well wishes and other positive sentiments.
Additionally, just before my surgery, I also will be getting a risk-screening colonoscopy after having two polyps removed two years ago which now classified me to be screened every two years. Screening helps catch cancer sooner, if present, in the colon.
I have worked very hard to save money for these costs. Paying for these procedures out of pocket would deplete my savings, any help that you are comfortably willing to offer is extremely appreciated. I have medical insurance through my work, both of these procedures come with out of pocket costs; and surgery recovery will take 4-6 weeks. I will humbly be asking for support surrounding these costs which I will lay out below.
Transparency of financial costs:
*(based on “good-faith” estimates via insurance in relationship to the medical providers and facility)
*Insurance deductible(in network): 5000$ (the amount I need to pay out of pocket before insurance contributes to my out of pocket costs)
*Insurance Out-of-Pocket Max: 9100$ (The maximum amount I will pay for in network services)
*All providers and facilities for these procedures are in-network
*I will adjust the goal if new information arises that affects my need. The below costs represent the minimum costs I will be expending
Colonoscopy: (2/13)
Procedure: $1700
Anesthesia: $420- 600
Top Surgery: (2/24)
Procedure(including facility, anesthesia etc) : $6,551 (70% co-insurance after I hit 5000$ deductible, which is currently at 0/5000)
Surgery/colonoscopy based prescriptions: about 100-150
Misc costs accounting for during recovery:
Rent, utilities, food, prescription medications, etc
Be an Ally!! :
Sharing medical stuff generally or online can generally be vulnerable! The way that I, as a trans person, describe my experience or the ways I talk about it, are certainly different than ways other trans folks may want to share theirs; Please be mindful when navigating these subjects with others and myself, especially in a time so dangerous as the one we are in. Black, brown, and indigenous trans people(especially trans women) experience violence, social and financial disparity at a much higher rate than their white peers, such as myself. I will link some resources below to learn more about how you might support the LGBT+ community. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or if you are a member of the community who I might be able to support finding more resources for yourself.
Pronouns/Gender identities: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/understanding-gender-identities-and-pronouns/
Ally to youth guide: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/guide/a-guide-to-being-an-ally-to-transgender-and-nonbinary-youth/
Take action!: https://pflag.org/jointhefight/
Organizer
