KJ's Top Surgery Fund

My Story

Hello! My name is KJ (they/them), and I am raising money for my top surgery, a gender affirming surgery that would remove my breast tissue and create a more masculine chest.

Growing up I could not fathom the life that I live today. One where I am this happy and confident and have so much hope for the future. There were few times in my childhood when I was not uncomfortable with both my physical body and my role as a girl. The other kids didn’t seem to have the same feelings as me, and I did not have the language to understand how or why I was different. As a classic tomboy, I had many well-intentioned people assuring me that when I got older, I would embrace my femininity. This was my life line. I clung to that hope despite not being able to imagine a world where I was comfortable enough with my body to ever be confident. By the time I was 19 years old, the anxiety and shame and insecurity had only gotten worse.

Entering college I had the space and support to understand how and why I was different. This was terrifying. Finding answers meant I would not be able to ignore the dysphoria anymore. Change within myself and my relationships was guaranteed. It was a leap of faith; however, I am unbelievably lucky because I was surrounded by many wonderful people who fully embraced me even when I had no idea who I was. They were there as I began fumbling down the road of finding peace in my body and gender expression. These people saved me. I would not be who I am today without their love and support.

Now when I look into a mirror, I see myself looking back at me. Let me say it again. When I look into a mirror, I see myself. For 20 years, this was not the case. Today I am actively making choices to help my physical self more authentically reflect who I have always been on the inside. Today, I wear the clothes I always wanted to wear and cut my hair in the styles I always dreamed of. I also have been taking hormone replacement therapy (hrt) for nine months which has been life changing. My voice is deeper, my skin and face are changing, and I am getting stronger. I am watching my body begin to reflect who I have always felt like. This has been incredibly beautiful and healing to experience! When people meet me today, they get to meet the true me. I never knew a life like this was possible!

The next part of my transition is receiving top surgery. I am currently binding my chest every day to combat the serious dysphoria it causes me, but binding comes with its own risks as it restricts breathing, irritates skin, and bruises ribs. The days when I cannot bind, I avoid plans, wear baggy clothes, and overall feel like shit. Not binding feels like a lie, a betrayal of my true self. Even since puberty, my chest has always felt foreign as if it did not belong to me. This surgery is my opportunity to finally be free from this anxiety, free to move forward in my life with confidence in a body that reflects my authentic self.

I deeply appreciate all of the amazing people in my life who are supporting me through this exciting next step! I truly would not be where I am today without you all.

How to support

If you are able and comfortable, any donation helps! If you do donate, please let me know, and I would love to send you a thank you.

Please share this fundraiser :)

Keep an eye out on my instagram @kjvaughan_art as I will be selling some prints in the coming weeks leading up to surgery.

Surgery Date

February 5th, 2024

I am booked with Dr. Rhett Willis Jr with Charlottesville Plastic Surgery.

Cost Breakdown

Recovery for this surgery can be intense, and I will have a limited range of motion for several weeks post-op. Since bartending requires restricted movements such as lifting heavy things, reaching to high shelves, and shaking shakers, I will have to take about 5 weeks off. This fundraising is also to make it possible for me to focus on recovering post-op without worrying about bills and other expenses.

Surgery Estimate

Recovery:

Grand Total: ~$12,000

I luckily already have about $5,000 saved up for the surgery, and I am continuing to work and save as much as possible between now and the surgery date. The goal is to raise $7000 more to get to a comfortable place. Again any donation helps if you are able and willing :)

Thank you so much for taking the time to hear my story and for your support.