Hi! My name is Jamie and as most people who follow me on social media know, I'm a trans man. I came out as trans in June 2016, started HRT in October 2016, and had top surgery in September 2018.

My next gender affirming surgery that I'm getting is a hysterectomy which is medically necessary for both my physical and mental health to elevate symptoms of dysphoria and other physical complications I've been experiencing. I'm planning to have the surgery on May 1st, 2026.

Although a hysterectomy is fully covered by OHIP, I will need 5-6 weeks off work and at which point I will have very little income. I'm on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) and have a part-time job where I work 16hrs a week but despite the fact that I'm allowed to work while receiving ODSP, if I need to take time off work for ANY reason, ODSP doesn't care and will deduct dollar for dollar of whatever I get from EI from my ODSP check. Essentially, if I got EI I would end up with the same amount of money in my bank account as if I didn't get EI. Most of my ODSP check covers my rent and the rest covers my phone bill and maybe 1 or 2 other small bills. That means many other bills such as wifi, tenant insurance, pet insurance, groceries, household/personal care supplies, pet food/supplies, etc. I don't have money for.

I really didn't want to ask for help from my friends/followers as I know how hard it is to afford things for most people nowadays, but at this point I have no choice. I have a plan to save $50 from every pay check to put into a TFSA and *if* I have additional funds, that would be added to that account too. As of right now I have about $1600 saved and only a very small fraction has been from donations.

I'm hoping to save/raise $2400 (or close to) by the end of April 2026 to pay for my bills while I recover for 5-6 weeks. My goal is currently at $1060 because I have $1600 saved already mainly from my own money, but $280 are from donations. So, I only have $780 more to go!

I would really appreciate it if anyone can donate any amount they can. No amount is too little, and if you can't donate that is totally ok! I appreciate you reading this far anyways ❤️ If y'all can share this post that would really help too.

Thank you,

Jamie