K's self-love & gender affirmation!
Dearest friends, fam, spirits, & community:
My name is Kay Ulanday Barrett. After years of ache, imagination, and reflection, I've chosen to pursue chest reconstruction aka "top" surgery. I’ve had 3 major orthopedic surgeries in the last 4 years, each time systemically harmful. Each time, not affirming my spirit & needs. This surgery however, is a movement that embraces the person I truly deserve to be. My gender affirmation top surgery is scheduled January 27th, 2016. I couldn’t be more elated!
With big anticipation, I hope that my community can uplift me. I do not have health insurance, so costs associated with surgery have not been accessible until I saved to secure $3000 towards this journey. I feel like every coordination & gig has trained me for this moment.
I understand this is a taxing feat & not everyone has access to their rightful journeys and needs. I’m dedicated to continue to struggle with you to make that happen, to uplift our worth. For over a decade, my political and cultural work has taught me that collective power holds us when the world turns us into dust. I am gracious for every poem, action, essay, stage, project, and spirit that has brought me here with you for this time.
The remaining uncovered surgery costs, fees, transportation, and post-surgery costs add up to $7400. This includes surgery, pre and post surgery lodging, and healing support & remedies for my recovery.
I humbly reach out to my collaborators, my loves, and you, for support because as Trans/GNC People of Color community we are rarely honored for what we deserve. I believe our people have a legacy for collective and interdependent practices dedicated to healing, self-determination, and access. Everyday, I am in awe of how we create support, care, and how we innovate chosen family together. I am convinced that no state system has the love that each of you have demonstrated or the mightiness of showing up as you have. I am blessed for whatever you continue to do, blessed for my care team who’ll be with me as I heal. I couldn’t pursue this surgery or engage in political change without your existence!
I will continue to be honored by sharing and growing with you and supporting you in this same spirit as I am asking for now. Your contribution takes action that is longstanding in our collective need for justice. I am honored to strive so that we all can access gender affirmation, healthcare, and support for all.
My dreams are closer, attainable, and I could not have made it here without you. Thank you for all of your love, kindness, support, & circulation in advance!
*many thanks,
K.
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* To support trans people of color nationally, I urge you to support any of these Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming organizations doing resillient work: http://www.transjusticefundingproject.org/directory/
* Cost breakdown: (TOTAL medical costs due 12/27/15)
$6000--- surgery
$1300--- anesthesia & hospital
$1200 --- recovery center lodging
$700 --- medical labs
$500 --- down payment to reserve date
$500 --- travel costs (airfare, car, wheelchair service)
$150 --- medicine & healing support
$50 --- gofundme fees
TOTAL: $10,400
