Hi friends and family!

As many of you know, I’ve been on my health journey for quite some time now and feel like I’ve made huge leaps in my physical and mental health. Part of this journey has been in my gender identity. I realized about 7 years ago I didn’t quite fit in a “woman’s” body but also didnt really identify with living as a “man” either. I finally felt the most like myself after really diving into my gender expression as a nonbinary individual.

I also discovered I had spent most of my life repressing these feelings in order to just fit in with society norms and not draw attention to myself. Unfortunately, repressing who I really am led me to debilitating anxiety/depression and panic episodes. I found myself self medicating with alcohol and retreating farther into myself until I didn’t even recognize the person in the mirror.

The past year and a half I’ve been taking back control of my life and my health. I have an incredible team of professionals that finally helped me figure out the right medications in combination with therapy as well as my journey of sobriety (over 8 months alcohol free woo!). I’m no longer trying to run and hide from myself, instead embracing all parts of me even if others don’t understand them.

All that being said, I’ve decided to pursue a big step and tackle my gender dysphoria around my chest. I’ll be having top surgery (aka double mastectomy) on February 3rd - so soon!!! My doctors and surgeon have been so incredibly supportive during this long process and now we’re just a few weeks away I can’t believe it!

With the current climate around targeting trans people as scapegoats, you can imagine this isn’t something I personally love putting out in the open, nor do I owe anyone an explanation for what I choose to do with my body. All you have to know is that this decision is not taken lightly, and I’m SO excited to come out on the other side in a body I recognize as my own.

So if you’ve read this far, please consider donating to my gender affirming care which includes any out of pocket costs from surgery, follow up care, meals during recovery and time off from my physically demanding job to heal. Taking unpaid time off for this procedure is very daunting, but that’s what I’m hoping reaching out to community can help get me through.

You can donate following this link or my personal accounts:

Venmo @Kit-Buda

PayPal @kbuda18

Thank you all so so much for loving me and supporting me time and time again ❤️