My name is Andrew, and I am a transmasculine person living in Boston, MA.
I came out as trans/gender-nonconforming when I was 19, and I started taking testosterone as a necessary component of my transition when I was 22. Now, at 24, after quite literally years of deliberation, I feel that in order to feel safe, comfortable, and secure in my body, pursuing top surgery is mandatory.
For several years, I have felt disconnected from my chest. It makes me feel anxious, restless, uncomfortable, and depressed. I often wear what is called a “binder,” or chest compression device, to flatten and hide my chest. However, binding can have serious short and long-term effects on health. It inhibits breathing, causes lightheadedness and indigestion, and extended use can damage the skin and ribs permantently. It is not safe to bind for more than eight hours daily, or while physically active. When I am not binding, especially while at the gym or exercising generally, I feel anxious, scared, depressed, and insecure. I also worry that in certain spaces, my chest might “give me away” as a potential target of violence or discrimination.
I have many reservations about asking for money. However, without financial aid, I will not be able to afford this surgery in the near future (housing and food is priority). It is not a medically urgent surgery, but it is high-priority for my phsyical and mental health.
I have chosen Dr. Peter Raphael, a plastic surgeon in Plano, Texas, to do the surgery. The total cost of the surgery is $6,750. My health insurance will not cover the cost of surgery upfront, but there is a chance that they will partially reimburse me after the fact.
IF this is the case, and I am able to get a partial reimbursement for the cost of surgery, I will match a portion of amount I fundraise, dollar for dollar (up to $2,500-3,000) to donate to fundraisers of other trans and gender non-conforming folks (not just limited to medical fundraisers!)
I plan to cover my own travel costs and co-pays, and I will continue to save whatever money I can on my own for the cost of the surgery itself.
Please do not feel obligated to contribute. I won’t be disappointed or mad if you are unable or unwilling to donate. And lastly, please do not compromise financial security for me. I feel uncomfortable enough as it is asking for help!
As always, thank you for your continued support of my transition.
https://www.gofundme.com/andrew-asquiths-top-surgery-fund
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