On Trans Day of Visibility (March 31), many people look for concrete ways to show solidarity with transgender communities. Across the United States, access to gender-affirming care such as hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery is increasingly precarious. This piece highlights five grassroots GoFundMe campaigns that are raising money for procedures and recovery costs that insurance or local systems are not covering. By profiling each fundraiser, the goal is to make it easier to decide where your support can make a direct, immediate difference.
A narrowing safety net for gender-affirming care
Transgender people are facing a tightening landscape: this year many state legislatures introduced dozens of bills intended to restrict access to gender-affirming treatments, and the federal Trump administration put limits on both age eligibility and insurance coverage for these services. The result is that routine, medically recommended care often falls onto patients to finance themselves. For many, that means turning to community fundraising. For context, gender dysphoria refers to the distress some people feel when their body does not match their gender identity, and top surgery typically describes chest-related procedures that can be life-changing for trans people seeking bodily alignment.
Five fundraisers to consider
Soph Opatz (Arizona) is a nonbinary person saving for top surgery, and their partner, Ali DeMeo, launched a GoFundMe on February 22 with a $6,000 target. Soph experiences distress related to their chest that insurance will not cover, and the couple is also budgeting for wedding costs and limited time off work. The campaign description emphasizes how surgery would improve Soph’s daily comfort and confidence. Supporting this effort helps with the procedure itself and the practical realities—time off, recovery supplies, and follow-up care—that insurance has left uncovered.
Jack Lea (California) is a trans man who underwent top surgery on March 23 and now faces an unexpected medical bill of more than $4,500 after insurance fell short. Jack, who is autistic, is currently searching for work after losing employment, which has increased financial strain. His fundraiser explains that the surgery has been transformative but that the outstanding balance and living costs during recovery create anxiety about staying financially afloat. Donations would go toward the remaining surgical bill and short-term stability while he looks for new work.
Fern Keenan (Texas) plans to travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, for top surgery because of concerns about both safety and the escalating costs of care in the United States. Fern and their partner hope to raise $10,000 to cover the procedure and associated travel and recovery expenses while also managing existing debt and wedding planning. The campaign frames the surgery as an essential step toward bodily alignment and wellbeing; pooled community support would allow them to proceed without the added pressure of mounting financial obligations.
Tommy Nouansacksy (Austin, Texas) is an Austin-based drag performer, DJ, and entrepreneur who began transitioning about nine months ago and is seeking $5,500 to cover hormone therapy and laser hair removal. Their fundraiser explains that these treatments are fundamental to feeling authentic and comfortable in daily life, but cumulative costs have become burdensome. Contributing would help with ongoing medical appointments, initial medication costs, and aesthetic treatments that many trans people rely on for gender presentation and mental health.
Gaux (Chicago, Illinois) is a poet and artist preparing for top surgery in late April and is raising $15,000 to fund the operation and recovery period. The campaign describes the procedure as a profound relief and a step toward moving through public spaces with greater ease and confidence. Funds would cover surgeon fees, anesthesia, post-op care, and time away from work during recovery—elements that are essential but often excluded from insurance or employer support.
How to give thoughtfully
Practical steps and verification
When donating to any fundraiser, prioritize verified pages such as official GoFundMe profiles linked from community organizations or trusted social accounts. Check campaign updates, read the description carefully for the intended use of funds, and consider covering platform fees where possible so recipients receive more. Small recurring gifts or sharing campaigns on social channels can be as meaningful as a single large donation. Finally, remember that community support is about more than money: time, advocacy, and amplifying voices are valuable, too.
This reporting was produced as part of the Future of Queer Media fellowship at The Advocate, supported by a gift from Morrison Media Group, which helps fund early-career LGBTQ+ journalists. If you decide to contribute, please verify each fundraiser directly and consider donating in a way that suits your means while centering the recipient’s stated needs.