Help Jess Elgene Afford Gender Affirming Surgery!

Hello there! I am very excited to share that I've secured a date for a gender affirming surgery later this year. It’s a surgery I’ve wanted for a long time and which several doctors have deemed medically necessary in order for my body to more closely align with my gender identity. Transitioning has, by and large, saved my life and made me considerably happier and more whole. This surgery is unfortunately a bit cost prohibitive. I’m very lucky insurance will be helping to cover the cost of surgery, but I’ll also need to reach my out-of-pocket maximum and pay for travel to the surgery site, a hotel for the duration of my time away from New York, and a number of additional factors which I’ve outlined below.

I’ve had a hard time deciding how I’d like to talk about this surgery and realized I want to talk differently about it to people I know from different walks of life. Find the category that most closely aligns with you and read on!

Comedy Friends: Remember how I said transitioning has made me more whole? Well, speaking of *more hole*... I’m finally getting that surgery people talk about when they talk about *the surgery.* Being on stage can be overwhelming in and of itself. Factor in feeling out of place in your own body and it can be incredibly anxiety-inducing. This surgery is going to help me feel more comfortable in my body on stage and off, and my tight five will be even tighter if you can believe it! Well, that’s my time! I’ve been Jess Elgene. Please consider donating!

New York Friends: It would be soooo Brooklyn of you to help your trans friend afford gender-affirming surgery, right? Like, this is a great talking point for your Thanksgiving dinner back in Akron, Ohio with the fam, don’t you think? Truly, though, I love living in Brooklyn so much. The community here is so beautiful and it’s here that I’ve learned to love myself and meet myself in stride throughout my transition. On the off chance you haven’t been priced out of your apartment, maybe consider sending some funds my way? Or share this with your landlord!

Texas Friends: Howdy, y’all! Quick question: what if Taco Tuesday could be every day? Seriously, though, one of the first things I asked my surgeon was if I’d be able to eat Torchy’s after surgery because I found out they had a Torchy’s near the hospital. She cackled and said yes, which is music to my ears. The only thing I love more than queso is living authentically, and this surgery will help me to move through the world without feeling self conscious or scared. So if you’re able to throw a lasso around a few bucks to send my way, or if you are simply an oil baron and have more money than you know what to do with, your support is greatly appreciated.

Everyone: I am extremely grateful to be surrounded with a community that has loved and supported me throughout my transition. I’ve heard countless times I am visibly happier, more vibrant, and more myself; I can’t help but agree. Every single night I go to bed overcome with a sense of gratitude that I get to live this life, in this body, with these people. Any amount you’re able to donate is so appreciated and even if all you’re able to do is boost this post, you have my sincerest gratitude. And remember, the highest donor gets to name it!

My funding goal will help cover the costs of: