Help Oliver Fentress Through Essential Recovery
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Thank you for taking the time to read my message. I’m scheduled for a hysterectomy to remove my bicornuate uterus on April 29th. This surgery is not only medically necessary but also an essential step in my gender-affirming journey. Given that my job requires physical activity, I’ve calculated that I’ll need $1,169 to cover six weeks of essential expenses. This includes rent, utilities, phone and internet bills (for telehealth), my doctor's bill, and others I’m responsible for. While I’ve been as careful as possible with budgeting, the fluctuating utility bills and unexpected costs mean this amount will cover just the basics.
The political climate has made this situation urgent. With anti-trans bills being introduced across the country and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, I fear that access to life-saving, gender-affirming care like mine will be restricted. While I still can, I want to take advantage of this opportunity to secure the care I need for my health and safety.
To help explain why this surgery is so necessary to me, I have a bicornuate uterus, a rare congenital condition that causes debilitating pain and severe complications in pregnancy. Testosterone has significantly reduced these painful periods, but if my gender-affirming treatments were to be taken away, I fear I’d be forced to relive those painful experiences every month. I also fear the possibility of being denied the care I need if I ever face pregnancy or reproductive health issues, especially with the rising risks of forced pregnancies in a country where reproductive rights are increasingly under threat.
As for future surgeries, the timeline for top and bottom surgeries is further out, and I worry that, like the hysterectomy, these may soon become impossible to access. I’ve shared my concerns with my provider, but, understandably, there’s no clear answer.
I’ve known for a long time that I won’t regret this decision. Although I once considered having children, I realized that the pain and challenges of pregnancy were too much to bear, especially with my gender dysphoria. If I want to become a parent, I’ll look into adoption or fostering. The thought of having this surgery is a dream come true because it represents freedom and peace—a feeling I’ve never had before.
For most of my life, I struggled with severe dysphoria, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Since starting testosterone, I’ve experienced a profound shift in how I see myself and my life. I can’t explain the peace of taking control of my body and future, but I feel it deeply every day.
If you can contribute, it would mean the world to me during this crucial time. Any help you can provide will go directly toward my recovery and well-being. If I exceed my goal, I will save the extra for future surgeries that may be more difficult to access.
Thank you for reading, supporting me, and helping me move forward on my journey to living as my true self. Your generosity means more than I can express.
The political climate has made this situation urgent. With anti-trans bills being introduced across the country and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, I fear that access to life-saving, gender-affirming care like mine will be restricted. While I still can, I want to take advantage of this opportunity to secure the care I need for my health and safety.
To help explain why this surgery is so necessary to me, I have a bicornuate uterus, a rare congenital condition that causes debilitating pain and severe complications in pregnancy. Testosterone has significantly reduced these painful periods, but if my gender-affirming treatments were to be taken away, I fear I’d be forced to relive those painful experiences every month. I also fear the possibility of being denied the care I need if I ever face pregnancy or reproductive health issues, especially with the rising risks of forced pregnancies in a country where reproductive rights are increasingly under threat.
As for future surgeries, the timeline for top and bottom surgeries is further out, and I worry that, like the hysterectomy, these may soon become impossible to access. I’ve shared my concerns with my provider, but, understandably, there’s no clear answer.
I’ve known for a long time that I won’t regret this decision. Although I once considered having children, I realized that the pain and challenges of pregnancy were too much to bear, especially with my gender dysphoria. If I want to become a parent, I’ll look into adoption or fostering. The thought of having this surgery is a dream come true because it represents freedom and peace—a feeling I’ve never had before.
For most of my life, I struggled with severe dysphoria, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Since starting testosterone, I’ve experienced a profound shift in how I see myself and my life. I can’t explain the peace of taking control of my body and future, but I feel it deeply every day.
If you can contribute, it would mean the world to me during this crucial time. Any help you can provide will go directly toward my recovery and well-being. If I exceed my goal, I will save the extra for future surgeries that may be more difficult to access.
Thank you for reading, supporting me, and helping me move forward on my journey to living as my true self. Your generosity means more than I can express.
Organizer
Oliver Fentress
Organizer
Laurel, VA