Melissa's Gender Affirming Surgery

"Knowing that you are different from an early age can mess with your mind, especially if you do not have the understanding and support of others.

When children are born, doctors will physically check the genitalia of the child and mark either M or F on the birth certificate, depending on what they have down there. This process is referred to as “sex assigned at birth.” But science has proven this is not as binary as we once knew. The same goes for gender identity. Gender is a social construct based on our visible genitalia. If you were born with a penis, you are a boy; if you are born with a vagina, you are a woman. Again, research into this binarism has proven that our minds do not identify with this way of thinking."

- 'Suppressing Melissa'

 

In 2021, I came out as Transgender. I now use she/her or they pronouns. I do not identify with my sex assigned at birth.

My journey has just begun, and over the last three years, I've become happier and happier with myself. However, one thing still lingers over me.

I still have the wrong anatomy.

I've had a consultation with Dr. Christine McGinn who is based in Philadelphia and she is the surgeon of preference. This cost me $350, which I appreciate the donations so far helped to make that happen. I'm forever grateful.

My health insurance can cover the anesthetist and hospital bills, but the Gender Reassignment Surgery itself, I have to pay out of pocket.

However, I am struggling to find the funds to pay for the rest of the surgery. This surgery is life or death for me. I will never be 100% happy with myself until this surgery is complete.

If you feel you're able to help, it would mean the world to me.

Mel x