Hi, my name is Star and I am trans masc nonbinary. I have known I wasn't cis for a long time, but when I was younger I didn't have the words or exposure to know that. All I knew is I hated myself, I hated what puberty was doing to me, and I hated how others perceived me. It felt like such a relief when I learned what being transgender was and the spectrum of identities.

My family is not supportive of any members of the LGBT+ community. I have gone my whole life hiding myself and being terrified of being found out. Even now I am not fully comfortable sharing my face. It has now been officially one year since I moved out and have been living on my own. It hasn't been easy, but it is so freeing to finally be able to be myself and feel safe in my own house. Top surgery will cost me my family, but I cannot be happy or live my life fully without it.

I have already met with one surgeon to go over my options for a hysterectomy. This isn't so much a gender affirming surgery as it is a quality of life. Every month I would be knocked down for about 2 weeks from intense migraines, pain, and nausea. Some days I couldn't even get out of bed. I am on birth control to help, but it isn't perfect and the fact sometimes I have to take breaks off it causes me great distress and fear that I will have to miss out on work or plans.

I have a consult with a plastic surgeon in June for top surgery. The gyne surgeon would like to complete both surgeries at once if possible. Doing so would make it so I don't have to go under the knife multiple times, but I would be out of work recovering for a long time. I am asking for help to pay for surgeries, help cover time off work, and also help with supplying comforts for post-op and easier recoveries. Any support would be greatly appreciated, even just sharing it around would mean the world to me. I never imagined this would be a possibility for me. I would like to get these done as soon as possible so I can finally start living as the true me.

Thank you for everything,

Star