Asher’s Top Surgery

Well the time has come for me to throw away (or donate) my binders and get top surgery. This is obviously not an easy decision, but one I have contemplated for years and feel is the best option for my health and my heart. The first time I put on a binder, I was overwhelmed with happiness and the hope of what my life could be. Now when I put on a binder, I feel physical pain and emotional constriction. The thought of being able to get dressed in the morning without my tightly wrapped chest is unimaginable. The image of being able to grow old with a body that feels like home brings about so much warmth for me. The feeling of trusting myself and taking the risks that feel right for me, is scary but exactly how I want to live my life. I have had so much apprehension about making a GoFundMe for this. I thought it was selfish and that there were better things to donate money to, but many of my friends reminded me that my community loves me and that I (and every person) deserve to be comfy in my body AND that top surgery is a life saving surgery. So here’s the financial deal- I work two lovely jobs in homeless outreach and youth peer support, but neither of them pay big bucks. I also live in the U.S., where the healthcare system is challenging at best. I have a $1650 deductible and after that my insurance only covers 70% of the surgery. In total, this surgery will cost me about $4,125 (not including pre and post op appointments). My plan is to get the surgery in February with Dr. Melissa Johnson in Springfield Massachusetts. I pledge, if I get this surgery to continuing loving on my community and loving on myself. I also pledge to stay in this world as long as I am gifted and live a long healthy trans life. Any donations/kind thoughts/warm words are appreciated so very deeply.