Syd's Top Surgery Fund!
Donation protected
Hello everyone!
Welcome, and thank you for being here. Whether you know me personally, were sent this by a friend, or just happened to come across my story—I’m so grateful you’re taking the time to read about this journey with me!
I’m Syd (they/them), and I’m raising funds to help cover the cost of gender-affirming top surgery—a long-awaited, deeply meaningful step in my transition. If this sounds like something you can get behind, thank you—it truly means the world! If you keep reading, you can learn more about my story, the financial barriers I’m facing, and how you can provide support to me and other trans and gender-diverse people who could use it right now!
Who I Am & What This Means to Me:
For me, gender-affirming care has been the most profound act of radical self-love that I have ever performed. Since starting hormone replacement therapy in 2021, I have felt more at home in my body than ever before. But chest dysphoria remains a daily weight—both physically and emotionally.
Like so many others, I have turned to binding as a way to manage dysphoria. And while binding has been a critical tool, it has also taken a toll on my body. Flared ribs, circulation issues, chronic pain in my neck, chest, and back—my body is asking for relief, and I am ready to listen.
Please hear me when I tell you that this surgery is not about rejecting my body. It’s about embracing, honoring, and liberating it. It’s about breathing deeply —without restriction, pain, and compromise. I am so ready and I am so close. I just need a little support to get there.
Outside of this journey, I have dedicated my life so far to advocacy, community care, and making the world a more accessible and affirming place. At Miami University, I designed my own focus on Queer Activism and Power and worked at their Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI), where I co-founded the Open Door Clothes Closet (ODCC)—a free resource for trans and gender-diverse students. At the University of Cincinnati, I worked at the LGBTQ+ Center and helped organize UC’s inaugural Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) Tea Dance, a celebration of trans joy and collective action. Overall, the projects I have been most proud to be a part of all revolve around supporting and liberating trans and gender-diverse people!
When I’m not connecting with or advocating for my community, I’m doing the same with animals! I run my own pet caregiving business, based in Cincinnati, where I have the privilege of working with pets of all abilities, species, and personalities. There’s something incredibly special to me about learning how each of my clients communicates with the world around them. From Ezra, who loves to serenade me to the Star Wars theme song, to Norma Jean, who joyfully holds a toy parade for me when she’s happiest—every client I work with holds a special place in my heart.
The Financial Barriers I’m Facing:
Despite being fully insured, my insurance company has for my surgery simply because it is gender-related. This is the direct result of discriminatory policies that exclude trans people from the care we deserve. It is frustrating, unjust, and deeply disheartening. But I have made the decision not to let this stop me. With the support of my trans health providers, I am actively challenging my insurance company to fight for the coverage I deserve.
In the meantime, I face an overwhelming financial burden. My out-of-pocket costs are estimated between $6,000 and $10,000, covering everything from consultations and pre-op appointments to anesthesia, hospital fees, lost income during recovery, post-op supplies, and specialized care related to my disabilities.
I’ve set an initial fundraising goal of $7,500 to make this care possible. If my challenge for coverage ends in any success, I will adjust the goal accordingly and update contributors. If I am fortunate enough to exceed my needs, every extra dollar will go directly to helping other trans people access the care they deserve!
Ways You Can Support:
Spread the Campaign
- Share my campaign on social media! Every post helps expand my reach and connect me with potential supporters. You can tag me @sydsteck !
- Know someone who would want to support this journey? Sending the campaign directly to friends, family, and allies is an amazing way to generate excitement!
Donate to the Campaign
Every dollar counts! Contributions can be made through:
- GoFundMe (Note: minimum donation is $5, and GFM deducts ~3% for service fees)
- Venmo @SydSteck (Note: my GFM goal will be adjusted to reflect any direct contributions)
Share Your Experience
- Have I impacted your gender or allyship journey? It would mean the world if you shared a bit about that in the campaign’s "Words of Support" section!
- Note: Unfortunately, this feature is only accessible to those who have donated directly to the GFM campaign
Stay Informed & Stay Active
- Educate yourself on trans rights in your state and beyond.
- Follow diverse, independent journalists, authors, and creators to stay informed.
- Let the trans and gender diverse folks in your life know when and how you can provide direct support.
- Connect with local trans organizations and show up—proudly and loudly- in the fight for trans liberation!
With all of my pride,
Syd Steck
Organizer
Syd Steck
Organizer
Cincinnati, OH