Meet Rio
Rio's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Rio (he/him) is a 32-year-old trans man from Guatemala City, Guatemala seeking top surgery.
“I live in a country where there are no LGBTQ+ rights so everything that I have done - legal documents, testosterone shots, labs, healthcare- has been out of pocket. I am so grateful that there are a couple of organizations here that guide you through your process, but there is still so much work to do and so much help to get” Rio shares. He notes that he has been exposed to constant discrimination particularly by healthcare providers, employers and other officials who don’t understand his transition and are either transphobic or have no knowledge of the care he needs as he is not allowed to legally change his gender in his home country.
Rio describes himself as an introvert who enjoys spending time with his loved ones and who took 30 years to be his true self and more to really start living his free life"
Rio's timeline
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Award Granted
February 15, 2024
Rio was granted a Surgery Fund Award! -
Consultation Date
March 18, 2024
Rio had a consultation with Dr. Charles Garramone! -
Care Received
August 1, 2024
Rio had surgery with Dr. Charles Garramone!
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Update
August 27, 2024
Rio shared, "Everything is going well with my recovery. I still feel tired and it is hard to do certain simple things, but I am doing well. On Thursday I will be 4 weeks post-op (29 days) and it is all going well! The recovery has been a bit rough but everything is going according to plan. I saw my chest for the first time after a week of surgery and it was honestly way better than I expected. I wasn't even bruised and was healing very well. After two weeks I was able to remove the steri-strips from the incisions and was able to see them for the first time and was, once again, shocked at how incredibly good my chest was looking. Overall, the results are already looking so good for just one month and I could not be happier with what this opportunity has meant to me.
I cannot wait to see what my chest will look like in a few more weeks and then months. I am super excited for what's to come and to finally stop sleeping on my back - haha - and most importantly, to finally start living my life soon!"
Grant details
$15,075 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Rio get the care they need and deserve.
About FTM Top Surgery
On average, it costs $12,000+ for Rio'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.