The last few years have been about growth for me. With a lot of growth, comes even more change. I have wanted more and better things for myself for as long as I could remember. It hasn’t been until recently that those things are finally within my reach.

If you know me, you know asking for help isn’t easy or something I do lightly. If it wasn’t for a little push from my loved ones, I don’t know that I’d be this far. In late July I am so excited and relieved to have my mastectomy scheduled. This has been daunting and a nerve wracking process but all I feel is pure joy and excitement. As much as I feel I’ve settled into myself more and more over the past couple years, I know this has been the biggest missing piece to the puzzle that is a version of me I can be confident in and wake up every day comfortable in my own skin.

Not only do I know gender affirming care is life saving, but this will greatly help my back which is affected by AS.

The year ahead has a lot to come. My focus is this surgery, my health and officially changing my name. I am proud to have once been Lindsey, a name loved by many including my beautiful mom, and I know it’s time to close the chapter on that part of my life and say goodbye to my old friend.

Ready to put two feet on solid ground and take the world head on as Lee.

My surgery is looking like it will cost upwards of $3,500 (even with insurance) as well as quite a few supplies and extended time off work. It also costs several hundred dollars to petition the court to allow me to change my first name.

I’m currently in pre-surgery therapy and my therapist is asking the tough questions about who I am and who I aim to be. I have never felt more sure or confident about anything.

I don’t expect anything at all, and please only give if you’re in a place to do so. The world is really tough right now, on so many people. Trans folks are really under attack right now and my goal is to accomplish these things before my ability to do so passes. I appreciate you for even reading this far and helping me reach my goal. Even if you can share this, that is more than enough.

I wouldn’t be this far without my wife, family and friends who have been an incredible source of support and who have taught me so much about myself, about love, and about asking for help. I love y’all!