Today is what I have.

When I was graduating highschool, I didnt actually care about college. I only cared about getting away from that small, close minded town. I was twisting and turning in a space way too small for me... and for that, it was a shock to everyone when I got excepted to the only college I applied to-- The University of Louisiana at Monroe. I stayed a year and really thought I'd kill myself at the end of it. It wasn't for me. I so desperately had no idea what I needed or wanted from my life. Now, the whole time, I was struggling with my identity. I didn't understand why I felt so different and misunderstood. Then a few years later now, I'm back at it and looking to receive financial help because I have to spend so much money on everything else that sustains life, that I can't afford my education without it. It's just like when I needed to buy my leg braces, because health insurance didn't cover my medically necessary equipment. Or when I was planning my top surgery. I had to crowdsource that financial burden as well. My identity has made me lose jobs as well as excluded me from other money making opportunities such as research and surveys.

In a time where being transgender is so horribly misunderstood by the greater population, there has to be a way that we/they can have financial security. The 1964 Civil Rights Act protects LGBT individuals in theory and in some courts where the judges might just happen to agree. Beyond that, who protects us. Who makes it so we can afford to feed ourselves, pay for housing and clothes? There are groups that do everything in their power but still only get so far. There are kudos meant for each of those groups, they deserve to feel proud. But there is still work to be done. It takes all of us. Consider what you can do to help.

Two days post op. Feeling great! Sore, but so so happy.

Jan: signed marriage papers

Feb: booked my top surgery

Mar: 30th birthday.

Apr: planned fundraiser for top surgery

May: wife left a note, took the dogs and started dating someone else the next day.

May: had setbacks with my panic disorder

May: decided to move back to Louisiana

May: met my top surgery fund goal

If I don’t get enough, I’ll have to reschedule…. But it would be rescheduled for Louisiana— not Colorado.

Givebutter.com/topsurgery4wes

All I want for both of these mile markers, is to financially secure the funding for my surgery.