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Introduction
Hello, and thank you for visiting my crowdfunding campaign page! My name is Esther Roth-Colson, and I'm a 31-year-old transgender woman originally from upstate New York but now living in St. Louis; I'm the producer for The RESIST Podcast, hosted by Danielle Muscato; and I'm an autism acceptance, health insurance access and trans rights activist.
Almost exactly a year ago, and after a lifetime of struggling with my identity, I came out as a trans woman at 30. I started presenting full-time in April 2016 and began hormonal treatment that May. It's been a long road since then, but I can honestly say that it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life, and now I'm ready to start on the next part of this journey: an orchiectomy (removal of my testicles) as part of the surgical treatment for my gender/genital dysphoria.
My health insurance will pay for the surgery itself, but current medical standards require two psychologist evaluations before the surgery can be scheduled and performed, and those appointments are not covered. After suffering a concussion in February 2017 and being hospitalized with complications, I have been unable to perform my previous work, and have been living on infrequently-paid disability payments since then.
I was able to pay for the first psychologist evaluation, but the second one will likely cost around $300, and because of my current limited income this is a significant expense that is the last thing needed before the surgery can be scheduled. WIth the generosity of others, I hope to be able to complete this process and move forward on something that is extremely important to my mental health and well-being.
Thank you very much for any support you may be able to offer!
Background
Like many trans women, I experience a significant level of gender dysphoria, including genital dysphoria. My eventual goal is to have full gender-confirming surgery (GCS), but due to some temporary health problems, that is still likely a couple of years away.
However, one surgery that is available to me right now is an elective orchiectomy, which essentially means the removal of my testicles, which are a significant source of my genital dysphoria.
My insurance will pay for the surgery itself, but there is still one significant cost associated with it. Before I can schedule the orchiectomy, the current standards for trans healthcare require that I receive approval from two independent psychologists to ensure that I am making a consensual and informed decision.
This process is not covered by my insurance, and so requires out-of-pocket payments for each of the psychologists. I was able to pay for the first psychologist appointment, and she agreed to provide the approval. However, the second psychologist appointment will likely cost approximately $300, and as someone receiving disability (and infrequently at that, due to the disability insurance company's frequent delays), this is a large expense to come up with.
A Bit About Myself
I'm now 31 years old and live in St. Louis, where I moved in November 2016. Until February 2017, I worked as an analyst for the federal ACA Health Insurance Marketplace (AKA HealthCare.gov), a job that I had since November 2013. Unfortunately, a concussion that I suffered earlier this year in a household accident has left me with post-concussion syndrome that causes dizziness and speech problems, preventing me from doing my previous job at this time.
Since January, I've also been the producer for The RESIST Podcast, a weekly podcast hosted by my friend and fellow trans woman, Danielle Muscato, which was launched officially in March. The podcast focuses on practical steps that can be taken to resist the effects of a Donald Trump administration, fascism and white supremacy.
Outside of those areas, I also have a long history of activism on various topics, such as health insurance access, autism acceptance, LGBTQIA+ rights, and in particular, trans right.
If you'd like to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, and on Twitter, @erothco.
Updates
Once I am able to schedule the assessment and, then, the surgery, I will be posting updates so that all donors can see the progress being made!
Highlights
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