Meet Alida
Alida's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Alida (she/her) is a 29-year-old trans woman from Massachusetts seeking facial feminization surgery and tracheal shave.
Unfortunately, despite multiple attempts at receiving health insurance coverage towards these gender-affirming procedures, her insurance views this as cosmetic. As a result of these denials, Alida’s dysphoria is at an all-time high, forcing her to leave school and not be able to work. She fears being read as a trans woman in public and facing discrimination or violence.
Alida is active in the community and has mentored local trans women to help them find primary care physicians, navigate the process of legal name changes and gender marker changes, and find safe spaces.
Despite her challenges receiving care, Alida remains optimistic. Post-surgery, she is excited for a future where she finishes her degree and starts working again. She shares that surgery will provide her with confidence, and allow her to enjoy life again.
Alida's timeline
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Award Granted
March 13, 2019
Alida was granted a Surgery Fund Award!
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Alida get the care they need and deserve.
About Tracheal Shave
On average, it costs $5,500+ for Alida's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
A tracheal shave is a surgical procedure performed to reduce the prominence of the Adam's apple (the bump in the front of the neck) in individuals who desire a more feminine neck contour.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Before care, trans femme folks may feel dysphoria or lowered self-esteem. For many trans women, a visible Adam's apple can out them as trans, which can lead to social rejection, harassment, and violence.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
Tracheal shaves are generally considered to be cosmetic procedures, and so it is unlikely that health insurance will cover the cost. It can also be hard for trans femme folks to find trans-affirming surgeons in their region.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
Many trans folks who undergo a tracheal shave report feeling more comfortable in their bodies and more aligned with their gender identity after the procedure. This often leads to improved mental health and overall well-being, as well as improved opportunities with employment and increased safety when in public spaces.