Jayvyn's Top Surgery Fund

Hey everyone, I'm Jayvyn. My chosen name means "hopeful" and "light spirit." Though not everyone has always known me as Jayvyn, I could always describe myself as hopeful. I’m raising funds for my double-incision top surgery, which will pay for hospital fees, prescriptions, housing, transportation, and other costs required for my aftercare and healing process. It's been a wild ride to be so close to a dream I've had for so long...

Telling my story, I hope many can empathize with how necessary this surgery and my healing process will be essential for me in the long run to live a long, happy and healthy life.

I didn't come out until later in life, but I always knew I was different. In college, I remember pretending like I wasn't trans due to adverse reactions of speaking to past lovers about trans men and women. I secretly had many conversations with a close professor surrounding gender identity and my childhood thoughts. I just wasn't ready... I didn't want to be lonely. I realized it was already a lot of pressure for my family and loved ones to accept me as a "queer woman." Trying to graduate, I denied myself access to my genuine emotions and identity. I still did everything most times to hide my breasts. I often wore more oversized shirts or sports bras to compress them down. I finally came out in 2016 to close friends and loved ones as trans masculine. I was lucky to have known a few trans-masculine people who helped me navigate and research these feelings I described regarding my chest dysphoria, which has always been a primary key in how I felt about my identity and body.

Shortly after, I was outed to my parents and started binding my chest that same year. The first time I wore a binder, I felt euphoric. It was such a different look and perception of myself I had never experienced! I remember putting on shirts feeling happy despite the pain and discomfort it would cause me. It was the first time I felt more than myself before starting testosterone! A year and a half later, I started hormonal therapy, and that was a rollercoaster ride living down south. It was slim to none to receive any trans healthcare, including surgeries. Work was horrible; no insurance covered the surgeries, doctors' appointments or hormone medications. The discrimination I faced was intense, given my physical changes. But the physical changes I did enjoy didn't match my chest, and my dysphoria grew. I knew if I didn't make a change, I wouldn't be happy with myself and wouldn't progress mentally, physically, and emotionally.

In January 2021, after four years into my transition and a year off of testosterone (due to lack of trans-affirming doctors), I took a leap of faith to move from Columbia, SC, to Pittsburgh, PA. I knew anything was and is necessary for me to live a better life. I've moved away from friends and family to continue on my path, not only being hopeful but being Jayvyn.

Any donations will be greatly appreciated, as I'm tearing up now even typing my journey. Every small fund makes sure I'll be safe, healed, and smiling. And I'll be happy to say you all helped pave the way for a new exciting chapter to live my life authentically.

My procedure date is April 13th, 2022. <3