About Setareh

Hi, I’m Setareh Azar Jinn (she/her), an autistic trans woman of color preparing for medically necessary Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) with Dr. Alex Facque at the Gender Confirmation Center, anticipated May-August 2026.

Why Facial Feminization Surgery Matters

Facial Feminization Surgery is essential gender-affirming care for me.

Dysphoria isn’t abstract. It lives in my nervous system and shows up through chronic misrecognition — by mirrors, strangers, and systems. For an autistic trans woman of color, that misrecognition compounds risk and stress. This surgery would reduce that harm and allow me to move through the world with greater safety and ease.

Work, Healthcare, and Financial Context

I’m a somatic therapist in private practice, working primarily with neurodivergent and QTBIPOC communities. Being self-employed means no paid medical leave or PTO, and healthcare premiums paid fully out of pocket.

In 2026, my insurance premiums increased by $8,000 annually, significantly raising my baseline costs during an already expensive medical year.

My practice also experienced income loss after I temporarily closed intakes following targeted anti-trans and racist harassment. These events affected both my financial stability and sense of safety.

What Recovery Looks Like

FFS requires:

• An overnight hospital stay

• At least 3–4 weeks fully off work

• A gradual return afterward

Because I’m autistic with sensory sensitivities, recovery may take longer, making income loss unavoidable.

The Financial Reality

I currently have approximately one month of savings.

Even with insurance approval, the financial impact remains significant.

Conservative estimates include:

• Lost income during recovery: ~$9,000

• Increased 2026 healthcare premiums: $8,000

• Out-of-pocket medical and recovery costs: ~$4,500

• Meals, supplies, and transportation: ~$500

• Possible electrolysis not covered by insurance: ~$2,000

Best-case total: approximately $22,000.

The fundraising goal is set at $25,000 to cover these costs and provide a small buffer for delays or extended recovery.

Small donations truly add up. $10–$25 makes a real difference.

Other Ways to Help

I know many people in my community are navigating financial strain. If donating isn’t possible, there are other meaningful ways to support.

During recovery, our household will need practical help. All of us in my polycule are autistic, and we navigate multiple physical disabilities. While I’m healing, Nyx will be working, and Michael — who will be my primary caregiver — also has physical limitations.

Support with:

• Meal trains or prepared food

• Grocery delivery or gift cards

• Light household help

• Rides to medical appointments

• Help coordinating logistics or check-ins

would make a real difference.

Mutual aid is how we survive. I’ve often helped coordinate care for others during hard seasons. Now I’m allowing myself to be held in that same collective care — by community, by ancestors, and by the living world that carries us.

Thank You

If you’re able to donate or share, thank you. Sharing this with even one person who might be able to help truly matters.

This support allows me to heal fully without sacrificing my financial stability in the process.