Levi's Top Surgery Fund

UPDATE: surgery date set for Dec 21 :') thank you sooo much for all of the unreal support so far!

Hey! I’m Levi. I’m a 27 year-old, non-binary transmasc who began receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) almost 6 months ago. Though it took me some years of my life to come out, to live authentically, and to even have language to describe who I am – I’ve been binding my chest for quite some time. In recent years, I’ve moved toward heftier binders that provide a high degree of chest compression. Because I don’t feel comfortable going out and about without my binder on, I’ve started to experience more frequent instances of costochondritis (rib/sternum inflammation). It's not fun, and sadly this is a common complication from binding.

My insurance won’t cover gender-affirming top surgery because they think it is elective. However, a life without binding would be a life with less anxiety, pain, and discomfort. I believe that's not elective, but necessary. Missouri is a really scary place to be trans. Restrictions on access to gender-affirming care have already affected the youth in our community, and further criminalization of adult trans healthcare feels imminent. Not only am I ready for this step in my transition, but also need to receive this affirming care before it is illegal to do so in my home state.

I am a Master’s-level student studying social work and training to become a therapist. I’m fundraising to cover the cost of surgery and recovery, as I will need to take time off from my job(s) to recover.

I recognize that as a white, masc-presenting trans person, I am afforded an immense amount of protection, power, and privilege compared to people of color in our trans community. Please consider donating to existing funds for trans folks of color before donating here. Any money that surpasses my need will be redistributed by way of donation to KC Transformations – an organization in Missouri fighting for trans rights across multiple states – run by and for trans women of color.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I will keep you all posted as I find out more about my timeline for cutting off my honkers :)