Roman's Top Surgery!

Hey everyone, it's finally time for me (Roman) to get top surgery! I am so so excited that this necessary step toward feeling at home in my body is within reach.

I'm a teaching artist and painter in Minneapolis. I'm very active in many aspects of the community; mutual aid and activism are daily parts of my life. I play softball on a queer and trans team and proudly rollerskate with Queer Skaters MN! I am privileged and happy to be out in all of my circles and to receive overwhelming support from the friends, family, and community I get to show up for.

I came out as trans seven years ago and have been binding my chest ever since, often to an unhealthy and uncomfortable extent. Binding has impacted my ability to exercise and play sports, to paint, to swim, to dress myself, and to live my day-to-day life without distress or fear. Chest binding has always been a temporary, unsustainable solution that only partially combats my dysphoria. Even with these complications, I've spent years binding where I never even considered top surgery because I didn't think it would be possible. I always thought it would be too expensive, that I wouldn't get help from insurance, and that it was too complicated to figure out on my own.

With support, I've slowly taken many steps to make this distant dream of top surgery a reality!

I finally have a surgery date set for May 27th, 2022!

Since surgery is just under two months away, I am getting in the swing of preparing physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. I am extremely lucky to say that insurance will cover nearly all of the surgery! I am asking for financial support during this process mainly because I will have to take at least a month off of my 2-3 part-time jobs. As a result, I will need to be able to cover my rent and living expenses for the month during and following surgery, pay for the medical and recovery supplies that I am not able to communally source, combat any last-minute bills or medical expenses, and support the people who will be setting aside their own time and energy to help me through my recovery. These are just some expenses I am anticipating, and it is vital that I'm able to recover without the constant stress of financial limitations that so many of us are used to.

Thank you so much for your time and support. It would really mean a lot to me if you are able to help me ease the financial burden by donating what you can or spreading the word about this fundraiser! I am also working on compiling resources, surgery & aftercare tips, collecting supplies, and anything generally surgery-prep-related! If you have any info or helpful items, I'd be super happy to connect and share resources. I will also be sharing a meal train/support website, so if you aren't financially inclined at the moment, there are other ways I could use some assistance after surgery. Stay tuned for updates on my surgery process, and thank you again!

Love,

Roman