Meet Mudiwa
Mudiwa's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Mudiwa (he/him) is a 21-year-old neurodivergent trans man. As an immigrant in America, he has worked hard to pay for his schooling and healthcare, among other needs. He has tried many other fundraising avenues, such as GoFundMe, with limited success. In his home country there are no LGBTQ+ rights, and so he has lived in perpetual fear of being outed.
In his free time, Mudiwa plays piano and writes. He loves to read and has made it his mission in life to show everyone around him love—be it through encouragement, kindness, or just a smile. He works with and is passionate about helping neurodiverse populations and children, especially those within the foster system.
Mudiwa is looking forward to feeling more comfortable in his body. He wants to be able to walk around in any space and know that he is perceived the way he desires. He feels everyone deserves this, and knows how much trans and gender non-conforming people especially feel existing in bodies that don’t feel like their own.
Mudiwa's timeline
-
Award Granted
March 30, 2023
Mudiwa was granted a Surgery Fund Award! -
Care Received
September 27, 2023
Mudiwa successfully completed surgery with Dr. Medalie!
Grant details
$7,600 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Mudiwa get the care they need and deserve.
About FTM Top Surgery
On average, it costs $12,000+ for Mudiwa's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
FTM/N top surgery is a surgical procedure that removes breast tissue and reshapes the chest contour to create a more traditionally masculine or gender-neutral appearance.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Prior to care, many trans masc people experience dysphoria that impacts their daily life. One of the most common and heartbreaking experiences we hear from applicants is that they cannot give hugs to their loved ones without feeling intense distress with their chest. In addition, reliance on chest binding can cause strain over long periods of time.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
While top 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?
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.