Meet Samantha
Samantha's story
Annual Trans Surgery Fund recipient
Samantha (she/her) is a 32-year-old trans woman of color from Honduras living in Florida seeking facial feminization surgery.
"I was persecuted in my home country for being queer, and I had to abandon everything—my country, my education, and my career—to be safe," Samantha shares. She's struggled to make ends meet, having worked many different odd jobs over the years to support herself as well as her mother and sister.
"I am a strong Latina woman," Samantha says. "For me, this surgery doesn't mean vanity. It means freedom."
Samantha's timeline
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Award Granted
February 15, 2024
Samantha was granted a Surgery Fund Award! -
Consultation Date
March 19, 2024
Samantha had a consultation with Professional Plastic Surgery in Miami, FL!
Grant details
$29,150 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Samantha get the care they need and deserve.
About Facial Feminization Surgery
On average, it costs $32,000+ for Samantha'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.