Hello, my name is Minty. I first came out as transgender when I was around 18 or 19 years old. At the time, I couldn't medically transition without losing access to my insurance, as I was on my parents'. The years went on, and finally, I started HRT the year I turned 25, in the middle of COVID.

I am now turning 30 this year. It's been over a decade since I started living as a trans person.

I don't like selling misery, but I have been unable to keep down a job. My life has been chaotic, with constant upheaval, with periods of housing insecurity and frequent mental health episodes. I have been constantly struggling to pay bills and keep a roof over my head. It was only in the past few years I have finally stabilized mentally, but not financially. I am just too deep in the hole. Previous fundraising efforts never got any traction, and previous attempts to save have always been interrupted by my paycheck to paycheck lifestyle.

As the years have progressed, my insecurity in existing in public spaces, crippling dysphoria, and disability have made my life increasingly difficult. I have been binding for over a decade, and can no longer bind comfortably even with a properly fitted binder, due to improper binding practices in my late teens and early 20s and the damage from that. Which, in turn, also gives me more excuses to feed my severe agoraphobia and not leave the house.

I am currently going back to college, but that has resulted in even tighter funds, and I am hoping to get top surgery during this time I do not have a job to report to and am fully focused on school, which is online. That way, when I finally graduate, I will mostly be over my agoraphobia and will be much more stable mentally so I can actually get a decent job.

I have gathered a lot of material for the post-surgery recovery period. Mastectomy pillow, surgery pillow for sleeping, drain bags, everything except consumables like shower wipes and scar gel, which will be bought after surgery is scheduled. I have friends to help with the recovery period. The only thing I could say I'm really missing is a chair to sleep in for the first week or two post surgery. I have one picked out, but it's not a super high requirement. Other than that, I can say I'm fully prepared for surgery.

Every share helps, even if you can't donate, and every dollar counts. Thank you for your time, and thank you for the love. <3