Supporting Cedar's Top Surgery

Cedar (they/them) is a beloved member of the Muloobinba (Newcastle) community currently trying to access gender affirming surgery. Many may know Cedar as a friendly face and all-round generous soul whether that be from the early days of Food not Bombs Newcastle, the corner of Beaumont Street, their support of local and interstate activist campaigns or the many community spaces they have called home.

I am writing this with Cedar's permission and as Cedar partner of two years. I am asking for your support in helping Cedar afford top (chest) surgery. The cost of Cedar's surgery exceeds $9,000 and the recovery period will see Cedar unable to work for at least 6 weeks. Cedar has been a loving and constant support for so many, often at the expense of Cedar's own financial stability. Whilst Cedar has worked and saved diligently for the past year, this is a huge financial cost to take on alone. They have devoted years of their life to community activism as well as blockade campaigns fighting for climate justice and First Nations land rights.

Gender affirming surgeries are costly and inaccessible to many despite being sometimes the only means of alleviating an individual's pain, if not lifesaving. It is not something Cedar speaks about very openly, but this is an experience of theirs. The path up to booking a surgery date has been a long and winding one.

I am so desperately proud and in admiration of the person Cedar is and the undying care they extend to those around them. July 2nd is Cedar's 21st birthday. Their surgery is booked for the 30th. I would love for the community that knows and cares for Cedar to be able to provide them with this gift as a showing of our appreciation for them. It would fill my heart with such warmth if there is anything you could offer towards this cause. I love how this community has stood behind its queer community, trans youth and activists. It would be phenomenal to see that some love shown to Cedar.

Thank you so much and best wishes, 

Elena