Help Deanna Get Top Surgery

Hi friends,

I am writing to ask for help affording gender-affirming care. 2023 has been a rough year for trans folks, and realizing that I'm one of them has not been easy, but it does feel right. When people use they/them pronouns for me, when my binder and clothes actually manage to disguise the lumps on my chest, when friends and colleagues refer to me with gender-neutral language—I finally understand the meaning of the term "gender euphoria."

In October of 2022 I started seeing a therapist to sort out my gender identity (I'm nonbinary) and take steps toward getting top surgery. A letter from a licensed therapist is required to schedule a consultation at the clinic I'm working with, the Gender Confirmation Center. It took me a few months to acquire said letter, and I finally was able to meet with my surgeon in March of 2023. Since then I've been battling with my insurance company, trying to get them to cover as much of the procedure as possible. Apparently the answer is a little over half, which is better than nothing, but not nearly enough.

The process has taken a toll on my mental health, and I've been really struggling. That said, I finally have a surgery date in late November, which also happens to be the week of my 40th birthday. I have a hard time asking for help, but the fact of the matter is that I need support. In addition to not having to take a huge financial hit to get the care that I need, knowing that my community has my back will be so helpful with the mental part of the recovery process.

So I am humbly asking for whatever you can spare, whether it's $5, $20, or $100. And/or if you could share this online with some kind words, it would mean so much to me.

With deep gratitude,

D

P.S. Not all trans/nonbinary folks want/need surgery, and that's ok!