Meet Adora
Adora's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Adora (she/her) is a trans woman of color in Florida seeking facial feminization surgery. They have had three different insurance companies deny their surgery a total of six times, including internal and external appeals. "I even switched insurance providers because my doctor said they see approvals, but I was denied each time," Adora says.
"I haven't been able to get financing due to poor credit. I've tried GoFundMe in the past, but it's been unsuccessful," she adds. Paired with existing medical debt and credit card debt, saving for care has simply been impossible.
One day, Adora hopes to teach gender studies at a university. She is thankful for the supportive friends in her life. Her favorite thing is planning couple's cosplay outfits with her girlfriend.
Adora's timeline
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Award Granted
February 15, 2024
Adora was granted a Surgery Fund Award! -
Consultation Date
April 5, 2024
Adora had a consultation with Dr. Danker!
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Care Received
June 15, 2024
Adora had surgery with Dr. Sara Danker at the University of Miami!
Grant details
$14,557 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Adora get the care they need and deserve.
About Facial Feminization Surgery
On average, it costs $32,000+ for Adora's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) is a series of procedures aimed at altering facial features to create a more traditionally feminine appearance. This can include procedures such as forehead contouring, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), chin and jaw contouring, lip augmentation, and various soft tissue procedures to feminize the overall facial structure. The exact procedures are customized to each individual’s desired outcome.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Trans femme folks often experience gender dysphoria related to facial features that are perceived as masculine. This can lead to discomfort, anxiety, and a sense of incongruence with one's gender identity. Importantly, for many trans women, access to FFS is a matter of safety and mitigating the chance they will be identified as trans in public and subjected to anti-trans discrimination or harassment.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
FFS is often considered a cosmetic surgery and is therefore unlikely to be covered by insurance. The price for FFS can also vary widely depending on the number and complexity of the procedures performed. It can also be hard for trans femme folks to find affirming surgeons in their region, especially in states and regions most impacted by anti-trans healthcare legislation.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
The recovery period for FFS is significant: it can take up to a year for features to fully heal. Most trans folks report greatly improved self-esteem, confidence, and sense of authenticity, which translates into greater opportunities in employment and more.