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Hi! My name is Jaylee Nelson, and I'm thrilled to be pursuing multiple gender-affirming surgeries in 2026. I am very excited to share my story with you all, and to use this platform as a place to provide updates and raise support.
As a trans woman, I have loved the last few years of discovering myself and more closely aligning my body to who I truly am. Coming out to a supportive community, choosing a new name, starting hormone therapy, and living full-time as a woman have been some of the most liberating experiences of my life, even in a society that is increasingly more hostile to the transgender community. I can't thank my incredible spouse Maryrose, my family, my friends, and my queer community enough for the support it's taken to get me here.
There are certain things that social transition and hormones are not able to change in the ways that I need, however, and that's where this medical care comes into play.
What are my goals?
In order to more fully align my body to my truest identity, I am seeking a Vaginoplasty (a type of bottom surgery), as well as Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS). These will significantly help my dysphoria with my own body, as well as increase my safety and comfort in the workplace, during travel, and in my community.
What are my needs?
The health insurance provided by my employer does not cover all of this care, so I have chosen to enroll in nationwide health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield. The annual premiums are almost 10x the rate I was paying, and the deductible is 3x higher. And though this coverage does make this care achievable for me, the additional costs for travel, lodging, and food while preparing for and recovering from surgery are significant challenges for Maryrose and me.
So when, and how, can you help?
Right Now:
- Spread The Word! We are going to need all hands on deck as we navigate this care. Please share this page to your social media and to folks you know who'd like to stay updated. I will be making regular posts to this page to mark major milestones, surgery dates, and other details.
Before Surgeries:
- Community Support: regular house visits, FaceTime calls, and phone calls will be so welcome and needed during my recoveries. I'm going to be spending a lot of time in my bed in hospital rooms, hotels, and at home, and the company will be very needed. As surgery dates are firmed up, we will provide ways to sign up for time slots and coordinate this care.
- Meal Planning & Deliveries: Maryrose is also working full time, attending graduate school, and managing their own music therapy private practice. Working with us to help prepare food, deliver meals, and offset the costs of groceries will be a massive help to both of us. We will work with our community here in Durham to set up a Meal Train and similar options.
Ongoing:
- Direct Donations: because of the likely necessity to travel and stay 2+ weeks at a time in different states, the high costs of health insurance and medical supplies, and the time off work impacting our incomes, direct monetary support will be one of the most crucial ways to help make these challenges lighter for us.
I am so excited about this upcoming year. This medical care truly is life-changing, and I'm thrilled you want to be along for the ride to support me and Maryrose!
Organizer
