Top Surgery for Trans Okie-Texan

For my birthday, I am asking for your help. I am a trans Texan trying to get top surgery, which insurance will not cover. While I am doing everything I can to reduce my expenses and earn extra money for this goal, the expense will be more than I expected, and the need is urgent!

 

Anti-trans sentiment in Texas is high, and I am living in a small, very red town. It is a matter of safety that I medically transition as soon as possible! In addition to the psychological toll of feeling unsafe, I am nearing 40 and it is medically important that I keep in mind that delaying major medical procedures makes bouncing back harder every year.

 

The total need for top surgery, which my insurance does not cover, is anticipated to be about $13,000 right now, and gets more expensive every year. This amount includes the anticipated base of $11,000, which could be more by the time the actual surgery date arrives, consultation cost and missed work. My employer does not offer paid time off, so I have to be prepared for lost income. $5,000 of this has to be paid to schedule the surgery date, so I can't even get my date locked in until I have that much in hand.

 

While I will continue to seek employment and insurance options that might offer me better coverage as well as working two jobs, I am asking you, my community, to consider helping if you can.　If any of the funds raised are not needed due to better medical coverage changes, I will donate the balance to a local trans man who is also struggling mentally and financially with surgery costs. Your help will be deeply appreciated, as this is a life-changing and positive step for me to take in my transition.