Support Ryland With Their Top Surgery

Hi. I'm Ryland.

 

Four years ago, I hadn’t even heard the term non-binary, much less known it was a gender identity that I could lean into. At that point, I had spent the entirety of my 30 years of life in Arkansas and most of my adulthood battling alcoholism (celebrated 6 years sober in March :)). Moving to Portland in 2018 provided my budding queer identity the environment it needed to flourish - this led to the purchase of my first chest binder the following January and as I put it on for the first time, I felt euphoria to a degree that I’d not yet experienced in this life or even had the language for.

 

As I continued to embrace and grow into my gender identity, the growing discomfort and dysphoria inherent to daily binding alongside the euphoria I witnessed in others - those who’ve already taken the incredibly brave step to undergo gender affirming surgery - has led me to this moment, to this decision. It’s been years in the making, and through the unfailing support of my incredible friends and family (chosen and given), my therapist(s), my partner, my co-workers, and so on, I was finally brave enough to make the call. I feel wildly blessed to share that I have an appointment to undergo chest masculinization surgery this January 2023.

 

Through my research of other folx who’ve undergone this procedure and the desire to expedite the process, I’ve chosen a highly qualified surgeon in Florida. I’ve debated with myself and questioned whether I was deserving of assistance. And through the continued reassurance from my loved ones and my therapists that this is a necessity, that living in this body any longer as it is, isn’t optional, I come to you now to ask for your help. This feels like a huge request (because it is) and here I am: asking for your help, in whatever capacity you can offer it, to assist me in this process of becoming.

 

I trust that this procedure won’t be a cure all for dysphoria/(mis)recognition and is by no means the destination of this exploration - it’s going to be a lifelong journey that continually asks me to open and soften in ways that challenge and transform me - but it is a tremendous step towards living in a body that feels more in alignment with who I am at my core.

 

~

 

Hey all,

 

If you’ve met Ryland you know what it is to witness passion personified. If you haven’t, I hope you get to someday. They exude high vibrations and kindness. They are real and raw, an open book, heart on their sleeve. They love fiercely and laugh easily. Energetically they are a force, they meet you where you are and listen, captivated, making you feel seen and known, comfortable. They embody their beliefs and live honestly with intention.

 

I share this not because someone needs to prove their worth to be deserving of help, but because I love Ry and I like bragging about them. I feel lucky to be their friend.

 

Ry has decided it is time for this surgery. And simultaneously, the country has started taking away rights and calling others into question. We need to make this happen- now. That’s where the power of community comes in. Where you come in. Who knows what the future holds, but I know it better have my friend Ry, comfortable and at home in their body, out there in the world being a positive light for other queer folx.

 

Let’s do what we can to help make this dream, this beautiful change happen. I believe in us. Come on karma, you know Ry has done good by you.  

- Cailin Elphick

 

~

 

It truly takes a village. And we are wildly grateful for any and all the support and love you are willing to give. I'll break down the costs below - for the sake of transparency and openness.

 

$12000 surgery (paying out of pocket - not through insurance)

$2275 anesthesia/hospital fees

$300 tissue pathology

$4000 lodging + travel

$3275 (remainder to goal) pre/post op care items, transportation, prescriptions, time off work for recovery

Timeline: 

$12000 due 30 days before surgery (12/19)

$300 due at pre-op appt (01/16)

$2275 due date of surgery (01/17)

 

The remainder will be used for round trip airfare, lodging while in FL - must stay until post op appt (1/23) - pre + post-op care items, prescriptions, and to help cover time spent away from work while in recovery.

 

Reach out if you have any questions, or would like to offer other means of support.

 

Big, big love. Thank you.

Questions? Get in touch @ [email redacted].