Meet Misleidy
Misleidy's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Misleidy (she/her) is 41-year-old Latinx trans woman seeking breast augmentation surgery. She is originally from Cuba and is currently seeking asylum in the US. As a result of her pending asylum case, she is legally forbidden from working, which has also resulted in her currently dealing with housing insecurity and other major financial obstacles.
With aid from the Trans Asylum Seeker Support Network (TASSN), she has been able to support herself, but gender-affirming surgery was simply out of reach.
In her application, Misleidy shared, “In my country, since the age of 15, I have been out as trans. In my country I was physically abused and beaten by the police and by transphobic people. We are hated. I couldn’t take it anymore […] so I decided to leave looking for freedom. Now in the United States, I am living freely.”
Post-surgery, Misleidy hopes to secure her work permit so that she can get a job and continue living her life freely and without fear of discrimination.
Misleidy's timeline
-
Care Received
January 4, 2021
Misleidy has successfully completed surgery! -
Award Granted
June 21, 2021
Misleidy was granted a Surgery Fund Award!
Grant details
$3,600 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Misleidy get the care they need and deserve.
About MTF Top Surgery
On average, it costs $9,000+ for Misleidy's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
MTF top surgery is typically a breast augmentation, a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the size or improving the shape of the breasts. The procedure is customized to each individual’s desired outcome.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Prior to care, many trans femme folks experience dysphoria that impacts their daily life. We commonly hear from applicants that they feel “simply incomplete” without access to care, which often leads to less confidence, safety when in public, and access to life opportunities.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
Breast augmentation is often considered a cosmetic surgery and is therefore unlikely to be covered by insurance. 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?
Many trans folks who undergo top surgery report massive improvements to their overall well-being and mental health, leading to increased confidence and more comfort in relationships, navigating public spaces, and more.