Hello! I'm Alexander. My pronouns are He/They. I'm a transmasculine individual from New Braunfels, Texas. I'm a Transgender advocate, educator, speaker and makeup artist. My passions lie within the lived experiences in my life.

I grew up in a very unsupportive household. When I was 16, I was outed by my step-mother and was taken out of my high school to attend conversion therapy. This had a major impact on my life. I was completely isolated, controlled, and unable to make contact with friends or other family members. I had no concept of time or how long I would be there. For months I was on a strict program that was designed to strip my identity. This left me with a deep level of distrust when seeking help and gave me a new, twisted understanding of what It meant to survive. I would tell myself “Say what they want to hear, and hope they don’t call your bluff.”. I got out on the luck that my high school wasn’t going to let me graduate that year.  At 17, I was told I was no longer wanted by my family and it was best if I left. Luckily, I had a car and was able to travel up to Austin, Tx in search for sanctuary as a young queer person. After the first shelter turned me away because of my identity, I decided my car was the closest to sanctuary as I could get. Despite that my doors couldn't lock and I had no working AC. The Texas sun was brutal on my body and mind and to this day, was the hottest summer of my life. I had my car broken into while I slept, suffered heat stroke, heat exhaustion and more that's too painful to share. All while binding my chest for days/weeks on end. Being homeless will bend any person until they break. Add being trans to the mix and your challenges are multiplied several times over.

I eventually found a place I could call home. A program who supported me and met me where I was at in my journey. I had more support than I ever thought was possible. I was able to legally change my name and gender marker and receive proper therapy and eventually; Hormone Replacement Therapy. My therapist was inspired by my story and asked if I would be willing to share it to people who work with young folks like me, I nervously agreed.  Ultimately, sharing my story to those people changed my life. I saw the impact I was making for providers in Texas and it ultimately led me into where I am now. Speaking to hundreds of thousands of youth-serving providers on topics so close to my heart. Empowered and proud of who I am. 

Though, I still feel held back. I’ve had a literal weight on my chest that I can't shake. My chest is a painful reminder of my past and a painful presence that inhibits me from being who I truly am today. I've never had an opportunity to even consider Top Surgery as an option financially, until now. I received news that my insurance through my employer covers most of the top surgery fees! I realize that I'm so much closer to my dreams of being truly free from the confines of my body. I am so close to being authentically and unapologetically, me. But what does it mean to be me? It means I can do the things I love with confidence. I can speak and educate with ease and assurance, kayak without pain, expand my freelance makeup artistry without pain or worry, and dive into the world (hopefully shirtless) with endless possibilities. For this, I am eternally grateful.

However, I still need help to reach my goal. I work full-time to support myself while living on my own, and it's extremely difficult to find a break to set money aside, though I am managing as much as possible. I can't express how important this surgery is to me. Any support is greatly appreciated. The funds will cover the rest of my surgery costs, some of my aftercare and some help with the time I will need to take off work to recover. You can also donate to my Venmo or Cashapp (below).

Fundraising platforms like these take a percentage out and direct cash apps will ensure I have every wonderful penny from the amazing people who choose to donate. I am happy regardless. 

Thank you all so much for your contributions. I am so excited and grateful to take this final step in my transition. 

Love,

Alexander

Cashapp- $alexxsfx

Venmo- @alexxsfx