My name is Nicolette and I am a transgender woman. 16 days from the drafting of this letter, I am scheduled for genital reassignment surgery across the country. This will be the scariest, most altering experience of my life. My plane tickets are purchased, my bags are packed, and in 2 weeks I will finally become my true self.  

Recovery from this type of surgery takes about 6 months, and during this time I will be limited in mobility and struggling to make ends meet. I live alone, with a roommate and the cutest cat ever. I support myself financially whenever I am able, but in order to recover I have to take a leave of absence from my current job.

I am a graduate student about to enter my final year of [my graduate]  program and presently I live on financial aid.

I turn to you for help.

I am asking for $4,350 to help pay the remaining balance of an unexpected $6,000 insurance deductible. Any extra amount would go toward helping me remain independent until my financial aid check comes through in September or October. This fall I will be starting my unpaid internship as well, and unable to hold down a paid job on top of that.

I am aware that times are tight for all of us, so I am only asking for what you can afford. Those of you who know me would not think of me as a person to beg for things; financing my transition on my own has been very important to me, but I am in the final stretch now and admit I need some assistance. Transition is a long and expensive process and the most costly part often comes at the end.

I want to be happy in my body and I feel this is the final step toward that goal. Surgery like this is in high demand and if I am unable to finance these direct costs, I may have to wait a few more years before it again becomes a viable option.

Thank you for reading and reach out if you have questions. Please spread these words.





XOXOXO