Z's Top Surgery Recovery Fund

Today, January 22, 2023, is my 6th Transiversary - the day I celebrate living my life as an out trans man for 6 years and medically transitioning for 2. My name is Z and my pronouns are he/him. I am a transgender artist, photographer, and model living in Brooklyn, New York for the past 9 years.

This April I have the privilege to receive Top Surgery - an opportunity I have dreamed of but never envisioned would become a reality with my financial upbringing, my sex work history, and my modeling career. Given these parameters, I saw my social transition as my only opportunity to live as a man. The act of transitioning does not have to be medical and I always staunchly defended every person's right to be seen and acknowledged as their correct gender - no matter what. I will always be proud of my work regarding the validity and crucial place in the community for those who are not medically transitioning - whether that is or isn't by choice.

Since beginning my medical transition with hormones, I've experienced life-saving emotional and social relief and discovered an invaluable connection to my new, living body. I've been thinking about top surgery for longer than I even admitted to myself. My chest is so close to my heart but I couldn't feel further away from it. This feels like the one thing I'm still not able to solve on my own and I need help from my community.

I'm grateful my upcoming surgery will be covered by Medicare, but I will not be able to work during my projected two-month recovery time. I come from humble beginnings and have been sustaining myself without support since I was 17. As a full-time freelance artist, the ability to create with others and provide a service to my community brings immense meaning to my life but also comes with long and continuous periods of financial instability. I need caretakers by my side during this experience, including my mom and another close loved one. These funds will go towards their travel and living expenses, my rent and bills, groceries, and pre and post-medical supplies, etc.

If you and I have ever had the pleasure of connecting face-to-face or over the internet, know this is something you can do to support me in creating the life I need. I will live and breathe better. I will feel lighter and more whole. I'll have a million more chances to go after what I want.

If we don't know each other and you choose to donate to this I am humbled and grateful. Thank you all so much for believing in me. Thank you for investing in me, my happiness and my future.

With love,

Z

Other donation options:

Venmo: @Zeffi-Walsh

CashApp: $zthebug