Meet Flora
Flora's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Flora (she/they) is a trans non-binary person of color who has always found solace in creativity. Whether through music or writing, artistic expression has been a mirror for self-recognition and connection. Music became an escape from childhood abuse, and as they grew, storytelling shaped their passion for social justice and advocacy.
Living in a conservative area, Flora has faced financial hardship, caregiving responsibilities, and chronic pain, making it difficult to save for surgery. “Being visibly trans increases the risk of violence, so for safety, I’m forced to hide’” they share. After 15 years of research, Flora found a facial feminization surgeon they trust—one who understands the nuances of feminizing POC features while preserving identity.
For Flora, access to gender-affirming care means more than just safety—it’s about finally seeing their true self reflected back at them. “Though my life has been tough, creativity and seeing others shoulder all of themselves makes me not want to do the same.” They hope to one day create initiatives that provide trans people with access to care and artistic opportunity, ensuring no one has to fight alone to be seen.
Flora's timeline
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Award Granted
March 10, 2025
Flora was awarded a grant toward gender affirming surgery!
Grant details
$55,625 towards gender-affirming care.
Stream-a-Thon granteeDonate
Help us support more people like Flora get the care they need and deserve.
About Facial Feminization Surgery
On average, it costs $32,000+ for Flora'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.