Meet Cay
Cay's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Cay (any pronouns) is a Latinx, Indigenous, and Black trans femme person from Michigan seeking facial feminization surgery. Cay is employed and provides for herself and her partner, both of whom live with multiple disabilities that require ongoing care and treatment "Balancing the costs of our healthcare, education debt, housing, transportation, and groceries places significant financial stress on me," she shares. "As an immigrant, minority, and DACA recipient, I experience additional set of barriers."
Cay's employer does not currently cover gender-affirming surgery or HRT access under the plan it offers, and Cay's attempts to have gender-affirming care covered by state Medicaid have been unsuccessful. Because of Cay's citizenship status as an immigrant from South America, she has income limitations.
"I am dedicated to furthering my own education and working towards improving pathways to success for others," she says. "I actively seek opportunities to contribute positively to my community and my journey as a transgender immigrant has instilled in me a profound sense of purpose."
"As an immigrant, transgender and first-generation college woman, I am passionate about ensuring representation for the communities like mine, who often miss out on opportunities due to lack education, resources and support." In a free time she volunteers as a paralegal and non-profits, working alongside immigrant and LGBTQ+ community. She is excited for her future to "finally live my truth" and celebrated this milestone by enrolling in a ballet class, a dream of hers come true: "I am ready to see the mirror reflect the girl, the woman I know I have always been."
Cay's timeline
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Award Granted
July 22, 2022
Cay was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT!
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HRT Onboarding Date
September 19, 2022
Cay was seen by their HRT/GaHT provider.
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Award Granted
February 15, 2024
Cay was granted a Surgery Fund Award!
Grant details
$31,090 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Cay get the care they need and deserve.
About Facial Feminization Surgery
On average, it costs $32,000+ for Cay'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.