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Member-only story
$150? What the…?! Shouting for My Rights and Trans Voice
I know what I want. I know the stories I’m capable of telling.
So, I’ve been here long enough to get the hang of things — published enough articles, some to simply get my voice out there, and others with bigger aspirations. I’ve been learning, growing, and figuring out what works and what doesn’t. But lately, something has been weighing on me. I’ve gotten comfortable with the process, but where is the jump? Where is the breakthrough? Why isn’t my voice reaching the people it’s meant to?
I was supposed to have my facial feminization surgery (FFS) consult on April 1st — a crucial step in aligning my physical appearance with my identity. But just days before, I logged into my MyChart account and saw a prepay charge that I simply couldn’t afford. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but as the days passed, it became clear that I wouldn’t be able to go forward with the consult.
Then, on April 3rd, I went to refill my Vivelle patches, part of my hormone-replacement therapy (HRT), only to find that I would have to pay out of pocket. The cost without any discount was far too high, and even with a GoodRx discount, it was still a financial burden. That’s when I realized something wasn’t right, and I decided to contact my insurance company.
