Meet Noa
Noa's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Noa (she/her) has faced immense challenges on her journey to living as her authentic self, but her resilience and determination have never wavered. She works tirelessly to make ends meet, but with high living expenses and little financial support, saving for gender-affirming care has felt impossible. “By the time all the bills are paid, we’re lucky to have maybe $80 to last two weeks,” she shared. Despite years of effort, financial barriers have kept her from accessing the care she has long dreamed of.
For Noa, receiving this grant for facial feminization surgery is more than just a step in her transition—it’s an opportunity to reclaim her confidence and step back into the passions that once made her feel whole. A former pageant competitor, she dreams of returning to the stage to compete for titles like Ms. Trans USA or Ms. International Queen.
Through all the hardships she has endured—from surviving homelessness to overcoming addiction—Noa has held onto hope. She has taken every step to prepare for surgery, from quitting smoking to researching providers and recovery timelines. Now she’s one step closer to the future she’s been fighting for. With this life-changing surgery ahead of her, Noa is ready to step forward into a life where she feels fully seen, affirmed, and empowered.
Noa's timeline
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Award Granted
March 4, 2025
Noa was awarded a grant toward gender affirming surgery!
Grant details
$53,550 towards gender-affirming care.
Stream-a-Thon granteeDonate
Help us support more people like Noa get the care they need and deserve.
About Facial Feminization Surgery
On average, it costs $32,000+ for Noa'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.