Hi,

My name is Jovel. I’m a transgender woman living in New York City.

At the end of September, I’ll be undergoing a gender-affirming surgery known as facial feminization surgery.

Post-surgery, I’ll be physically unable to work and I’ll have to take a minimum of 2-3 months off while I heal and maintain post-op doctor's appointments. During this time period, I’ll still need to cover living expenses like housing, travel, and any other medical-related expenses.

I was scheduled to get this procedure done in the summer of 2026, but I was fortunate enough to get an opening two years sooner at the very last minute. I feel so lucky considering this is something I’ve hoped for and wanted my entire life. With that being said, the expenses that come with recovery after surgery are a lot sooner than I anticipated.

I’ve spent the last 10 years of my life fostering a community, building a chosen family, and creating a life for myself here in New York despite the cards I was dealt. Asking for help is one of the most difficult things a person can do, and getting to this point in my life hasn’t been easy whatsoever. If you’re in a place financially where you can help someone seek gender-affirming health care—it would mean the world.

I’m so beyond grateful to anybody who’s taken the time to read this, share this, or help out in any way.

Thank you immensely.

Love,

Jovel