Meet Angela
Angela's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Angela (she/her) is a disabled trans woman and college student seeking tracheal shave surgery. In the past, Angela has dealt with homelessness after escaping an abusive situation, and today lives with her disabled mother and three siblings. As the sole supporter of her family, any money she brings in goes to supporting her loved ones: she’s rarely been able to save more than $50 towards surgery because of this.
Despite many attempts at obtaining coverage for this surgery and other gender-affirming procedures, Angela’s been met with repeated denials by her health insurance.
In her application, Angela shared that her gender dysphoria can be debilitating to the point of causing panic attacks. It makes it difficult for her to participate fully in life and the activities that bring her joy. “My dysphoria has also forced me to continuously delay my school progress. This surgery will help me be much more confident, comfortable, and safe in public and in social interactions, and it will open up more possibilities in my life and in my community participation.”
Angela's timeline
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Award Granted
June 21, 2021
Angela was granted a Surgery Fund Award! -
Care Received
July 27, 2022
Angela successfully completed surgery with Dr. Facque!
Grant details
$6,500 towards gender-affirming care.
Donate
Help us support more people like Angela get the care they need and deserve.
About Tracheal Shave
On average, it costs $5,500+ for Angela'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.