Meet Luke
Luke's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Luke (he/him) is a determined trans man navigating significant challenges while building a better future for himself and his wife. After moving for work, he was unexpectedly laid off, forcing them into an unsafe living situation. Despite securing a new job, financial hardships have kept them in temporary housing, making it difficult to save for surgery. As the sole provider and caregiver for his wife, who has multiple disabilities, Luke has struggled to find stable employment with insurance that covers gender-affirming care. “I have no family to help me, and every time I’ve tried crowdfunding or credit options, I’ve been denied. But I refuse to give up.”
Having started his transition in 2009, Luke has researched top surgery extensively and has worked hard to meet the necessary medical criteria. “I know this surgery will not only affirm who I am but also remove the constant fear and discomfort of being visibly trans in Florida’s political climate.” With his wife’s medical experience and the support of close friends, he has built a solid recovery plan.
Luke is driven not just in his transition but in his career. A self-taught UX/UI designer with nearly a decade of digital marketing expertise, he dreams of working for Disney or Universal to create immersive, tech-innovative experiences. “We have a lot of hope for the future,” he shares. “This surgery is just one step toward the life I’m working so hard to build.”
Luke's timeline
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Award Granted
March 11, 2025
Luke was awarded a grant toward gender affirming surgery!
Grant details
$13,300 towards gender-affirming care.
Stream-a-Thon granteeDonate
Help us support more people like Luke get the care they need and deserve.
About FTM Top Surgery
On average, it costs $12,000+ for Luke's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
FTM/N top surgery is a surgical procedure that removes breast tissue and reshapes the chest contour to create a more traditionally masculine or gender-neutral appearance.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Prior to care, many trans masc people experience dysphoria that impacts their daily life. One of the most common and heartbreaking experiences we hear from applicants is that they cannot give hugs to their loved ones without feeling intense distress with their chest. In addition, reliance on chest binding can cause strain over long periods of time.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
While top surgery is often categorized as a covered benefit in many insurance plans, the reality is that it's frequently denied coverage. Many people report unsuccessful attempts to appeal for coverage. In addition, finding skilled surgeons experienced in performing top surgery can be extremely challenging, particularly in states and regions most affected by anti-trans healthcare legislation.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
Many trans folks who undergo top surgery report massive improvements to their overall well-being and mental health, leading to increased confidence and more comfort in relationships, navigating public spaces, and more.