ollie's medical debt

it's my turn for medical debt, yay!! america!! tldr I got trans surgery and can't get financial aid thru the medical system

☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙ *:･ﾟ✧*:･‧͙˚*･༓☾

★ $7,700 will cover current medical debt costs from gender affirming surgery (hysterectomy). my entire life I've experienced excruciating periods, usually leaving me very weak (having to sit at work, migraines, fainting, bedridden, dysphoria, etc.) I discovered when staring HRT years ago that I have an anemia called thalassemia, which was contributing to the above medical problems. my anemia has presented less physical issues since starting HRT. now with my recent gender affirming surgery, I lack the organs which caused me pain, and my life has never been better, physically or mentally!!

I also deal with chronic migraine (daily without my medication), nausea + vertigo, panic disorder (among other mental health issues) which have contributed to this cost (medications, medical visits, etc). when I miss or lapse medication the withdrawals cause me to miss often days of work, so it's important to keep them regular.

★ I already have tried to apply to financial aid, and unfortunately have been denied as they assess your income at the federal poverty level (around $14,500/year, or $1208/mo for an individual). this does not accommodate for the high cost of living in a major city like portland, where my home + business rent alone cost me $2000. this doesn't include other costs, let alone food. I've worked years to build my credit up, and have been self employed for years and still needed a cosigner to even rent my current apartment in pdx. it's wack

★ though I have been paying it off slowly, this debt has been affecting my mental health, and inhibiting me from being able to extend my own care into the community. even on workweeks where I miserably grind, it isn't enough on my own and completely unsustainable for my underlying health issues to work at this pace. I'm often not taking care of my health, just scraping by on rent. I have not been able to build any savings for years, even as my tattooing practice has grown.

★ without it hanging over my head, I am usually able to comfortably give pro bono or sliding scale tattooing services to those whose financial situation would otherwise prevent. scar coverups, beautification, anything we need. I've seen firsthand with my own body, as well as the countless trans + gnc people I've tattooed, how transformative tattooing can be. physically, mentally, spiritually. in my perspective being a queer, mixed, trans, gnc, total freak in america where everything is preying on you to dislike yourself, I feel like the least I can do with my craft is help people transform their vessel to something they love. dysphoria and dissociation still sits with me, but taking the reins of control of my body, presentation and form has been deeply integral to further healing and being at peace with myself. taking my part in facilitating that experience for others has been magical, and I want to continue doing so.

we are marginalized and have a low life expectancy. if I can at least help my people go out with a beautiful skin suit, I will rest in the soil satisfied. I have not a single regret about extending myself to community in this way. this has been one of the purest forms of art I've been able to put out into the world, and can't thank everyone for their trust and support enough.

★ any further funds will go towards accrued credit card debt from recently moving (~$4000), or will be redistributed to lgbtq+ friends, family + community for care.

community has held me at my weakest and is the only reason I am alive and where I am at with my art and self growth. any shares and donations are beyond appreciated. thank you all so much ♡