Howdy Friends and Family,

Sylas here.

After 33 trips around the sun, the day has finally come. This is something I have been dreaming about for longer than I have had the vocabulary to know what I was dreaming.

I have a Top Surgery date! Top Surgery is a gender-affirming surgery designed to remove chest tissue and flatten the chest. The date is September 5, 2023, with Dr. Hope Sherie in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Sherie specializes in gender-affirming surgeries and has over two decades of experience.

The total cost of the surgery is $12,000. I have already paid a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit to hold my surgery date. The total cost includes everything I will need to pay to have this surgery done. Surgeon fees, anesthesia fees, one set of garments, pre-op and post-op appts, surgical supplies, and facility fees. I have to pay for the surgery in full by August 15th, three weeks before my surgery date.

There has not been a single moment since puberty that I have been comfortable with my chest, and it has affected my relationship with my body, clothes, how I interact with others, whether I'm joining people in a pool/lake/ocean, and so many more things that I won't take the time to list.

I've spent the last number of years using different forms of chest binders to reduce the appearance of my chest, which has given a tiny bit of relief, but it's a sweaty, sweaty pain, and I will be thrilled to get rid of the supplies I have gathered over the years.

When I learned about top surgery in my early 20s, it became a dream. A one day. When I get the courage. When I'm settled. When I understand enough about myself to be able to explain it to the people in my life.

At the end of 2022, I had a moment of, "if not now, when?" Like every other trans person in the United States right now, I am closely watching as anti-trans bill after anti-trans bill flies through state legislatures. Things like gender-affirming care and even basic rights like our ability to use public restrooms that fit our genders are being taken away. So it truly transformed from an, "if not now, when?" to a resolute, "if not now, I may lose my chance."

Luckily, I am at a point in my life where I can take the time needed for surgery and recovery. After surgery, I will not be able to return to work for at least a month as I rest at home and let my incisions heal. I won't be able to lift over 20 lbs for 4-6 weeks.

I have fought against having to set one of these up. I'm stubborn. Asking people for money is hard and is a humbling experience. I appreciate anything you can contribute to help me take this step, and I appreciate if you share this around. Every little bit helps. You will directly improve my quality of life, and I will be forever grateful.

With love,

Sylas Colley King (they/he)