Support Finn's Journey to Live Authentically

This is my little brother, Finn. Watching such a brilliant and passionate person grow fills me with gratitude for the shared genes we have. To say I am proud of who he is would be an understatement. When Finn was very young, both my mom and I were concerned about his disinterest, food aversions and often detached demeanor. Everything changed when he learned that he was Finn, my brother, not my sister. Since then, his life has been vibrant and full of passion. He became fluent in French before turning ten, was named valedictorian of his middle school, was accepted with a full scholarship to a prestigious high school that only accepts 8% of applicants and where he was a member of the Cum Laude Society, formed wonderful friendships, and recently earned a scholarship to Brown University with a public service fellowship. His artistic talents surpass anything I could hope to achieve, and he dreams of changing the world. He is an active member of Sunrise Movement where he demonstrates his passion for the health of the planet. He has even hinted at a future presidential run, which would certainly be a positive shift given the current state of politics. As charmed as his life appears to be from the outside, his gender dysphoria prevents him from living his life to the fullest.

Unfortunately, there is a shrinking and frustratingly limited window of options for Trans people to live their lives authentically. Essential services like surgeries and Hormone Replacement Therapy are rapidly being cut as new legislation passes, limiting access and funding. After Trump takes office in January, these options may become not just unfunded but completely inaccessible. For Finn, top surgery is vital for him to live life fully—whether it's swimming, cliff diving with friends, exploring the world, or simply looking in the mirror. This is not "elective", it is critical. Initially, his surgery was thought to be covered by insurance, but due to the fact that his insurance is a part of Missouri Medicaid, the preauthorization was denied for his procedure scheduled for the end of December. Paying upfront and out-of-pocket for the surgeon and hospital, along with at least a week of recovery time during which both Finn and our mom will be unable to work, we are facing financial strain.

We truly need your support to help Finn live the life he deserves. Current legislation is making it harder for Trans kids to thrive, and the financial burden is overwhelming for many families. If contributing financially is difficult (and I understand in this economy), I kindly ask you to share this link with friends, family, or anyone with a "Protect Trans Lives" bumper sticker. Finn is one of many facing similar challenges in being their true selves. If you want to take action further, I’ve included resources below to support Trans kids and adults.

Thank you for your time and simply reading this. I love my brother and couldn't be more excited for his future. Regardless of the assistance outcome, we will achieve this for Finn. He, along with so many others, deserve it.

https://www.pointofpride.org/ - Provides financial aid and direct support for Trans people

https://support.therapytribe.com/lgbt-support-group/ - Online group that provides mental health support

https://jimcollinsfoundation.org/ - National nonprofit that funds gender-affirming surgeries

https://www.transyouthequality.org/ - Provides education, advocacy, and support for transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming children and youth and their families