Meet Jackie
Jackie's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Jackie (she/her) is a trans woman of color seeking facial feminization surgery. "My journey to obtain care has been fraught with difficulties, but it has not stopped me from seeking to attain the life I deserve," Jackie shares. "My sister has been one of my biggest supporters and, because of her, I found the doctor I eventually began HRT with— and also Point of Pride! I would not have been able to access care without her constant support."
Jackie is an avid gamer, home cook, and writer. She also has a penchant for traveling to new places and hopes to be able to visit Portugal in the next few years to see where her father grew up.
"I find it difficult to verbalize how much gender-affirming care has impacted my life," Jackie says. "In many ways, it has saved my life. Receiving this vital healthcare makes it easier for me to simply live my life with less weight, anxiety, and fear. Gender-affirming care enables me to thrive through actualizing how I see myself internally."
Jackie's timeline
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Award Granted
February 15, 2024
Jackie was granted a Surgery Fund Award!
Grant details
$14,450 towards gender-affirming care.
TikTok-a-Thon granteeDonate
Help us support more people like Jackie get the care they need and deserve.
About Facial Feminization Surgery
On average, it costs $32,000+ for Jackie'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.