Max (they/them) is a nonbinary transmasc person seeking gender-affirming surgery. Managing an autoimmune disease, mental illness, and gender dysphoria takes up a significant portion of their time, making it difficult to maintain stable employment. While they work part-time, financial barriers—such as medical debt, hospitalizations, and the high cost of living—have made it nearly impossible to save for surgery. Currently living with family, Max is also focused on securing housing within the next year, adding another layer of financial stress.
Despite these challenges, Max has been proactive in finding ways to access gender-affirming care. They explored insurance, Medicaid, financing options, and extra jobs, but each avenue presented roadblocks—denials, exclusions, and unmanageable costs. After extensive research, Max chose a surgeon. They are also creating a support network to ensure they have help when needed.
Outside of their transition journey, Max finds comfort in music, whether listening to it or playing guitar. They dream of learning to play the drums and hope to travel the world someday, finding inspiration in different cultures and ways of living. This surgery would not only alleviate their dysphoria but also give them the confidence and stability to move forward in life, embracing both their identity and their passions.