Hi friends,

I'm writing to share some big news with y’all. I finally have a date for my bottom surgery: January 15th, 2025, at NYU Langone. The recent changes in my life have been overwhelming, leading me to no longer call NYC permanent home. While I'm deeply grateful for my amazing medical team, navigating this journey without a solid home base in the city its own challenges. That's why I'm reaching out to my community for support again.

I am asking for $9,000 to help me get to a stable place during recovery.

$1000 will cover transportation for 3 months (taxis to doctors appointments while I cannot take subways).

$1000 will cover medications, appointments & treatments including psychotherapy, PT, acupuncture treatments.

$6000 will cover airbnb and food for me for 3 months.

$1000 will cover health insurance.

Last year, many of you generously supported me through my FFS and top surgery. I can't thank you enough. While the emotional rollercoaster of euphoria and dysphoria from that experience is still unfolding on top of just regular life shit, I find myself here again, asking for your help.

While my insurance covers the surgery itself with max $4000 out of pocket fee, the upcoming recovery will be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding

Beyond the physical challenges, I'm also grappling with what this procedure means for me as a movement artist. I'm giving myself permission to navigate this journey with patience and grace, allowing myself the space to be ok not to know.

If all goes well with my recovery, my next step is to return home to Japan to correct my birth certificate and legally change my name. In Japan, transgender folks are still required to undergo "sex change" procedures to update legal documents. While there have been recent positive news like a court in western Japan approving a trans man's gender change without sterilization surgery, I have much doubt if trans women could do that…

Thank you for taking the time to read this far. Your support, in whatever form it takes, means the world to me. Here are a few ways you can help:

Thank you for standing by me on this rollercoaster.

Warmest,

Kate (Kei T)