Top Surgery for Dae Jedic

Hi! I’m Dae, and I’m a 34-year-old queer trans-masculine person.

I’ve spent the last 13 years of my life as a body-positive professional body piercer. Every day at my job, I've gotten to help people feel happy about their bodies, even in small ways, which has brought me so much fulfillment and joy. I have grown so much in these experiences, and my life has been deeply enriched by all the many people I’ve worked with, and I am hoping that there are many folks out there who would be willing to help me back, if also even in just a small way.

After many years of thinking it would never be a possibility for me (because I’ve never had this kind of access to health insurance before), I’ve finally decided to get top surgery. I’ve been uncomfortable with this part of my body since puberty and have struggled with body dysphoria, body dysmorphia, and disordered eating for most of my life.

I can remember being even a young child and knowing I was more boy than girl.

Since embracing sobriety and getting serious with my spiritual practices in the past few years, having top surgery feels like the last piece of the puzzle to truly feel safe and at home in my own skin.

I currently have health insurance, but my out of pocket max is over $5,000. That paired with having to be out of work after surgery and still never receiving my final $1,400 EIP payment from the government during the pandemic (who claims they’ve sent it to me and won’t reissue the payment) has led me to realize I need to ask for help. Throughout my life, I have contributed to top surgery fundraisers in the community, and I’m hoping the community will now help me back.

My consult is happening soon, and I will have more concrete figures and a surgery date by then. Still, by my calculations, $25,000 would allow me to supplement my income to take care of my rent, keep food in my household, and pay back any additional medical expenses or necessities not covered by insurance that pile up fast.

I’m holding deep gratitude in my heart for your consideration, and I sincerely thank you for any amount you may be able to share.