Meet Michael
Michael's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
In his application, Michael (he/him) moved us with his vulnerability and honesty: he shared he is living paycheck-to-paycheck and financially unstable due to past employment discrimination, and that he fears his age may make getting the care he needs to alleviate his dysphoria difficult in the future. We were most inspired by his decades-long commitment to serving the trans community: in addition to directing the Gender Odyssey conference, he has dedicated his life to educating providers, employers, students, and others on LGBTQ best practices in patient care, policy, and staff inclusion. Michael is battling for insurance coverage for two gender-affirming procedures, thigh masculinization and phalloplasty.
Michael's timeline
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Award Granted
February 22, 2018
Michael was granted a Surgery Fund Award!
Grant details
$7,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Michael get the care they need and deserve.
About Body Contouring
On average, it costs $13,500+ for Michael'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.