Support our transition journey

Hello!

My name is Chimera, that's my wifey Aura next to me. I’m a disabled Marine veteran, a transgender woman, and someone walking a deeply personal journey toward authenticity and self-love. I’m reaching out today with hope, seeking support for two essential surgeries Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) and Breast Augmentation that are critical steps in transition.

Transitioning has been a transformative experience filled with moments of incredible joy and deep pain. Some of my happiest memories come from finally seeing glimpses of the woman I’ve always been. Whether it’s the euphoria of stepping out of a salon with freshly done nails, perfect makeup, or the thrill of wearing a dress that makes me feel radiant, those moments have given me a sense of alignment and affirmation that I never thought possible.

One of the most magical moments of my life was stepping into a club in a dress that made me feel beautiful, hearing the music pulse around me, and for the first time, feeling confident in my own skin. Even being hit on something I’d once feared felt validating, like I was finally being seen as I’ve always seen myself. These moments are like tiny beacons of hope that remind me why this journey is worth it.

But for every moment of joy, there are countless moments of pain times when the reality of dysphoria and the harshness of the world collide. Misgendering is one of the most devastating experiences I face. It’s hard to describe the ache of being seen as something you’re not, of having your identity erased in an instant by a stranger’s words.

When someone calls me “sir” or refers to me as “he,” it feels like the ground is pulled out from under me. It’s not just the words it’s the look in their eyes, the way they pause, the hesitation that screams, You’re not who you say you are. It’s the way people treat me when they perceive me as a “man in a dress,” as though I’m a joke or an anomaly, rather than a human being deserving of respect.

These moments leave me spiraling, questioning everything. They replay in my mind on a loop, each word cutting deeper until I’m left in tears, unable to pull myself out of the sadness for days. They shatter my confidence, turning what should be small victories like leaving the house in a dress or with makeup on—into sources of anxiety and fear.

Dysphoria makes these moments even worse. It’s not just about the misgendering itself; it’s the way it amplifies the voice in my head that says, You’re not enough. Dysphoria turns the mirror into an enemy, makes me question every inch of myself, and whispers that no matter how hard I try, I’ll never fully belong.

That’s why these surgeries are so vital. They’re not about vanity they’re about survival. They’re about quieting the dysphoria that dominates my life, about giving me the chance to be seen and treated as the woman I truly am. They’re about reclaiming my joy and living without the constant fear of being misgendered or seen as something I’m not.

Despite the pain, transitioning has also brought me profound happiness. Each step forward has been a small victory a glimpse of the life I’ve always dreamed of. Hormone therapy has been life-changing, helping me feel more aligned with my true self. But I’m not there yet, and the weight of dysphoria still looms over me every day. These surgeries are the next step in my journey, and they’re critical to my mental and emotional well-being.

Complicating my journey are the chronic illnesses I live with, including lupus and debilitating migraines, which often leave me bedridden and unable to work consistently. Saving for these surgeries with a high insurance deductible has been an impossible challenge.

I’m using the donatons cover the deductible/logistics for both me and my partner, Aura, who provides our insurance. Aura is also her transition journey with me, and her love and support have been my greatest source of strength. We’ve walked this path together, lifting each other through every challenge and celebrating every step forward.

I know this is a lot of money to ask and I deeply appreciate every bit of support whether it’s a donation or simply sharing my story. These surgeries represent freedom to me the freedom to finally quiet the dysphoria, to live without the fear of being misgendered, and to fully embrace the joy and confidence that transitioning has already brought me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kindness, compassion, and generosity mean more than words can express.

thank you so much

Chimera/Aura ️‍⚧️