Meet Jia
Jia's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Jia (she/her) is a Black trans woman from New York seeking body contouring; specifically, clavicle shortening surgery. "my shoulders have always been the biggest link to my dysphoria. They're very broad and immediately get me clocked in public because people can tell they look masculine. Truly makes me never want to leave the apartment."
Jia has experienced discrimination in employment, resulting in a challenging financial situation. While she's been trying to save money towards care, her current income is going towards expenses in a lawsuit regarding her discrimination case. "I've fallen behind on my rent and other medical bills so it's virtually impossible until my case is settled for me to be able to pay for a surgery like this," she shares. "I can't fundraise because I live my life stealth and it'd out me. I commend girls who live out and proud, but I can't safely do that at this point in time."
Despite challenges in life, Jia is optimistic for her future as a filmmaker. She hopes to complete her debut film later this year.
Jia's timeline
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Award Granted
February 15, 2024
Jia was granted a Surgery Fund Award!
Grant details
$34,000 towards gender-affirming care.
Stream-a-Thon granteeDonate
Help us support more people like Jia get the care they need and deserve.
About Body Contouring
On average, it costs $13,500+ for Jia's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Body contouring refers to a series of surgical procedures (often through liposuction) aimed at reshaping and sculpting the body to change its appearance to be more traditionally feminine or more traditionally masculine.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Before care, many trans people feel discomfort or distress over how their body shape aligns with their gender identity. Unwanted fat distribution or muscle definition can cause dysphoria and affect safety as well as confidence in daily life, social interactions, and clothing choices.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
Body contouring is generally considered to be a cosmetic procedure, 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 people who undergo body contouring experience an improved sense of self and alignment with their gender presentation. This can lead to greater confidence, ease in social settings, and overall mental well-being.