Meet Sydra
Sydra's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Sydra (she/her) is a 28-year old trans woman who was seeking vaginoplasty. During her attempts to receive proper care, she has faced many economical set backs that has badly affected her direct source of income. She made steps to obtain surgery, but was always met with expensive out-of-pocket costs, even when attempted through her insurance. The worry about not being able to afford surgery has caused her significant mental distress.
Sydra is a woman who enjoys her time attended choir practices, watching local plays at the theater, and being a person who will sing and dance for any occasion. She loves to make friends from coffee shops and bond over music with said individuals. She also spends her creative talent composing music and creating dances for them.
She's excited to finally be herself with how she always envisioned her life should have been. "My anatomy down there has never felt compatible with who I am, and it's affected many instances of my life and my relationships with previous partners, " Sydra shares.
She's extremely eager for post-op life: "After all, we only want to be ourselves."
Sydra's timeline
-
Award Granted
February 15, 2024
Sydra was granted a Surgery Fund Award! -
Consultation Date
March 28, 2024
Sydra had a consultation with Dr. Gabriel Del Corrall!
Grant details
$33,860 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Sydra get the care they need and deserve.
About MTF Bottom Surgery
On average, it costs $35,000+ for Sydra's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
MTF bottom surgery is also known as gender-affirming vaginoplasty or genital reconstruction surgery. Bottom surgery typically involves multiple surgical techniques and varies widely based on a person’s individual needs and desired outcome.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Before undergoing surgery, trans individuals typically experience dysphoria that impacts their daily life. Patients will undergo extensive consultations to discuss their goals, expectations, and surgical options. It is often a long and challenging process to be approved for surgery.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
While bottom 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?
The recovery period for bottom surgery is significant: depending on the individual, it may take several months to heal from the surgery. Most trans folks report greatly improved self-esteem, confidence, and sense of authenticity, which translates into greater opportunities in employment and more.