Story
Update:
Hello everyone! Unfortunately, after participating in union organizing at my place of employment, Allegheny Reproductive Health Center, I was terminated in retaliation on baseless claims. I need help accessing mutual aid through my community to sustain myself and my basic needs, as well as retaining my own legal counsel and paying for my upcoming top surgery.
My immediate needs are paying for my rent and utilities (~$800/month), health insurance (~$200/month) and car payment/insurance (~$400/month). I have filed for unemployment and benefits, but I am not sure when I will see that.
I am hoping to raise enough funds to keep myself afloat for 2 months at minimum in basic expenses as I pursue the best course of action for myself. In addition, I still have top surgery planned and scheduled for September, which requires me maintaining my health insurance.
Any leftover funds I will be sharing to help sustain the fight to unionize at Allegheny Reproductive Health Center and other top surgery funds.
Previously:
Hi I’m Colby and I’m finally getting top surgery! I have been planning and saving for this for 3 years. I am lucky to have insurance covering my surgery, so I am fundraising for my time off of work (6 weeks) and continued gender affirming care for myself. I have experienced dysphoria with my chest for years that has impacted my life in every way. I am so excited to feel like myself, feel confident in the clothing I wear, and look in the mirror and feel happy with my body.
I have felt really lucky to connect with my communities through work in abortion care, reproductive justice, and my fellow trans and queer community members. I am asking for support from my community, friends, family, and loved ones to achieve my gender affirming care goals.
The costs are broken down here:
6 weeks of expenses for lost work – $3,000
Chest/nipple tattoo – $1,000
Continued gender affirming care/medical expenses not covered by insurance – $1,500
Family & friends time off for my care – $500
Organizers :
Co-organized
Colby Bell and Kelsey Leigh are organizing this fundraiser.