Hi yall,

My name is Yuriel :) Some of you guys may have previously known me as Jae or Jada. I’m a twenty- five year old Trans guy from Brooklyn, New York. It genuinely feels so surreal to be saying this but I get Top Surgery in 10 days! It has been twenty five years of feeling imprisoned by my body and somehow by the grace of something in the sky, that time is coming to an end. For the past three years I've been on this journey of trying to get the gender affirming care I've needed and wanted, but never thought would be possible for me.

Most of my life has been community centered. Any social following I’ve had has been through Biopic queer skateboarding events I produced for many years. My time spent super involved in the skate community was so beautiful and so sweet, but throughout it I felt like I was stuck in a cycle of suffering in silence. Some time ago I decided to take a step back from facilitating community spaces to focus on my life and my transition. If you told me then that this is where I’d be now, I surely would have not believed that. 10 days from my life changing forever like HUHHHHH.

Almost a week ago I got a call from my surgeon’s office asking me to confirm a surgery date barely 3 weeks out. You could imagine my headspace at that time- I had always thought I'd have time to thoroughly prepare for this surgery if it were to ever happen. Despite not feeling prepared there was no doubt in my mind that I had to take the date, especially during this time where Trans people are constantly under attack by the evil pieces of shit that are our government. It does feel like it is now or never. I have a chance and I am taking it, but again all of this has caught me off guard. My primary income is as a freelance skateboard instructor for children throughout the school year, and am just getting back to work following the summer break. Having to be out of work this time of year is pretty unfortunate timing. I am asking for support in raising money for food, materials, care for my surgery, rent and utilities.

I'd like to end this by acknowledging that there are folks going through worse stuff and so many better places to put your money with all that is happening in our world and in this country. There is nothing overtly special about my situation and certainly no good reason I deserve the support over the next person. Any help is so appreciated. Sending so much love and hope the day is so sweet to you <3

Yuriel