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The Breast is History

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(Edited 10/11/19 to better reflect where I am today rather than where I was when I launched this fundraiser)

Hi Everyone!

My name is Sterling Bentley. I'm a southern trans man with aspirations of changing the world through everyday conversations, serving as the Executive Director of an LGBTQ Youth Non-Profit, and by living as authentically as I can. 

I grew up in a very small town in Western North Carolina where I didn't know that being queer and/or trans were even things you could be. I would come to learn and love being both queer and trans despite many obstacles and internalized homo/transphobia.  My family was deeply and conservatively religious. I was privileged enough to attend undergraduate school and have the opportunity to study gender and sexuality both academically and personally.  This helped me better understand myself and the world around me. A year after being the first person in my family to graduate from a four year university (2016), I started hormones and I moved across the state to distance myself from the emotional trauma and abuse I experienced at the hands of my family. I was outed to my family by a stranger that fall (2017). I have became estranged from the majority of my family of origin. I lost my health insurance, I lost their conditional love and support. 

Since the Fall of 2017, so much has changed in my life. I have lost nearly 60 lbs. I have a job that fuels my passion for making the world a better place for the next generation. I pour all of my love and energy into fighting injustice at every corner. And that includes investing in myself each and every day.  I have been fundraising and saving money for over a year in order to afford  top surgery. Top surgery costs ~$9,000.00. That figure doesn't include consultation and scheduling fees,  pre and post-op supplies costs, or the loss of wages during recovery. 

Back in February (2019) I had my first top surgery consultation ($100) with Dr. MacPhee here in NC. When I told her how much weight I have lost in a short amount of time she (thankfully, though unfortunately) suggested that I hold off on scheduling surgery to see just how much weight I lose. This was to make sure I wouldn't be coming in for revisions because my results would not be ideal if I had surgery then continued to lose weight rapidly. I had a second consultation (another $100) in late September and scheduled surgery ($500 non-refundable) for February 12th!!! I am so excited but also so nervous that I will not have the funds by the time of my surgery date to cover all the fees, pay for supplies, and be comfortable being out of work long enough to heal properly. 



I still need your help to make this surgery a possibility. I am so so thankful for each and every one of you that have donated and shared my campaign. 




In solidarity, 

Sterling Bentley
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Donations 

  • Caleb Coe
    • $10 
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer

Sterling Bentley
Organizer
Durham, NC

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