Meet Bria
Bria's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Bria (she/her) is a 30-year-old Black trans woman from California seeking facial feminization surgery. Bria has exhausted a number of different fundraising options to accord surgery after her health insurance denied coverage. Her job barely provides enough income to cover basic living expenses like rent and groceries.
"I've been trying to save for many years for FFS, but when my great grandmother passed, I had to pay a number of unexpected emergency expenses. My savings slowly disappeared," Bria shares. "I've been researching my chosen care provider for over 5 years. I'm ready."
Bria describes herself as a generous, positive person who wants to help others feel supported.
Bria's timeline
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Award Granted
February 15, 2024
Bria was granted a Surgery Fund Award! -
Consultation Date
March 17, 2024
Bria had a consultation with Dr. Peter Raphael!
Grant details
$26,600 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Bria get the care they need and deserve.
About Facial Feminization Surgery
On average, it costs $32,000+ for Bria'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.