Support Gender Confirmation Surgery for Arty Xo

Friends and family,

My name is Camila Güiza-Chavez, and I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Arty "Xo" Xiomara. Thank you for taking the time to read about her situation, and any of the support you're able to offer, whether through financial support or by sharing the fundraiser with others.

Anyone who knows Xo knows that she fiercely loves and fights for all those around her. She is a devoted family member, a caring and loyal friend, and a force of connection and transformation for every community she’s been a part of. Xo has poured her heart and soul into creating a liberated world for others. Since graduating from college, Xo has dedicated herself to work that promotes the rights of marginalized communities to live full and self-determined lives. She previously worked as a nonprofit reporter focusing on hardships faced by low-income communities of color, before transitioning to advocate for immigrant rights for the last 3 years. In the fall, she is scheduled to start the next chapter of her career at Temple Law School. We know she will continue to be a much-needed force for justice in the future as a lawyer.

In March of this year, Arty Xiomara learned that she was cleared to proceed with gender-affirming surgery after having been on the waitlist at UNC-Hillsboro for more than 2.5 years. In the same week, she learned she was being laid off from her job at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) as a result of the federal contract being terminated. At KIND, she had worked tirelessly for 3 years defending the rights of unaccompanied immigrant children. Now, she has been laid off with no severence or continuation of healthcare from her employer.

The good news is that her new health insurance is covering a portion of the surgery, but the out of pocket expenses for the surgery itself will still be upwards of $5000. The recovery period for the surgery is 6 to 8 weeks. Xo has already spent thousands of dollars funding her own transition, but with the ever-rising costs of living and her recent termination from KIND due to government cuts, we are calling on her community to help make this possible.

The total amount asked will cover the cost of surgery as well as transportation to and from the hospital, necessary post-operative doctor’s visits, and aftercare including food and medication.

This is a very difficult time for trans people across the country, as the current administration is boldly attacking the human rights of trans communities. It is more important than ever that we stand with our trans friends and community members to show our love, solidarity, and support. This is a chance to do a tangible action of trans solidarity that goes beyond words.

Thank you so much for your consideration and support! Let’s make this happen for our dear Xo.

Camila