Hi friends! My partner Emme (they/them) is FINALLY getting top surgery on January 30th. YAY!! They've been waiting 5 years for this procedure and the day is finally almost here.

As a trans nonbinary individual, Emme is looking forward to receiving this gender affirming medical procedure that will allow them to finally feel at home in their own body. As they've moved throughout their 20s, they've had to take a pause from some of their favorite hobbies, such as dancing, due to gender dysphoria. This surgery will open up the opportunity for them to reconnect with old beloved hobbies. They are also looking forward to feeling safer in their day-to-day. As violence against trans individuals escalates in this country, Emme is experiencing heightened amounts of gender-motivated violence in bathrooms, on the street, and out in the world. This surgery will allow them to appear as more masculine and make them feel safer.

Additionally, this surgery will improve Emme's quality of life in ways that go far beyond gender affirming care. They have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which impacts connective tissues. They are already prone to frequent joint dislocations, and wearing binders/compression tops/sports bras worsens their condition. Emme has been binding for over seven years and recently it has been severely impacting their physical health, causing their shoulders and ribs to dislocate almost daily. Getting top surgery will significantly decrease their chronic pain and improve their overall wellbeing and health.

Emme is grateful that most of the surgery is being covered for by their insurance. But as a freelancer, they will not be able to work for 6 weeks after the procedure. During these 6 weeks, they are not allowed to lift above a certain weight restriction nor can they lift their arms above their head. This is especially stressful, as Emme's source of income primarily comes from jobs that require physical labor.

I am asking the community to please consider donating to this GoFundMe so Emme can have a comfortable recovery without stressing over paying bills, rent, out of pocket medical expenses related to the surgery, and any recovery supplies. Any donations at all will be immensely helpful and appreciated!! And if you cant donate, I urge you to share this with your friends and family!

Thank you so much and sending so much love and so many hugs!!!! Yay Emme!!!

Xoxo, Nico