Gus's Top Surgery

This campaign is for ftm chest or “top” surgery for August or Gus Li. Some of you might know me through the books I’ve written or the events I have participated in. While I feel very blessed to have a “day” job that I love, working in the publishing industry, and have enjoyed some success with my own writing, I am not at all wealthy. I rely solely on my own income, and not having insurance that will cover transgender surgery has put me in an unfortunate position. Reaching out to ask for help is one of the hardest and most humbling things I have ever had to do. However, since I began my physical transition a few years ago, I have been continually amazed by the kindness and generosity of others, from the doctors and staff at the Mazzoni Center who made me feel so comfortable, to my publisher, Dreamspinner Press, who went out of their way to change my name on my books, and not least of all, to my family and friends who have offered understanding and encouragement. Though I have always worked very hard to provide for myself and be independent, this journey has taught me that sometimes it’s okay to reach out to others and ask for a hand.

 

And I’ve come to the realization that I need help. Though I work very hard in addition to writing, there’s just no way I can distribute my income to afford the surgery I need so badly. After years of hard work and sacrifice to fund my hormone replacement therapy, this was a difficult and depressing conclusion to come to. I wanted very badly to be able to do this on my own, and falling short feels like a failure. It’s hard, but it is even harder to accept that I can never be the person on the outside that I am on the inside, that I will never be comfortable in my own skin. I’m not ready to concede. I will continue to work as hard as I can to raise funds to have the top surgery done, but I am also admitting my need.

 

I have chosen Dr. Hope Sherie, a former Air Force surgeon who is now a specialist in this procedure. Her fees are reasonable and in line with what other surgeons charge, and I am confident she is the right doctor for me. I’m only looking to raise the amount of the surgery itself. Medications, pathology, or anything else that might be extra I believe I will be able to cover. Every little bit helps, and you have no idea how grateful I will be for anything. A small donation will literally help to change my life. Even if I am able to raise half of the cost, I can finance the rest, which is something I’m very willing to do, as this is so important to me.

 

If you cannot donate, please help by sharing or by commenting. I have met many people at conventions like Yaoi-Con, and it always helps to have the testimony of friends that I’m “real.” I have been very fortunate to meet and know such wonderful people, and I appreciate every one, and everything you are willing to do. No matter how small it might seem to help out with a donation or click share to spread the word, it will mean more to me that you can know.

 

To learn more about top surgery for transgender individuals: http://www.topsurgery.net/procedures/