Birthday boy holds surgery fundraiser

Angel Torres is a trans man who launched a yearlong campaign at El Morro Lounge March 10 to raise money for chest-reconstruction surgery. The fundraiser featured performances by Genderbent Chicago, “snow bunnies” who gave all-you-can-guzzle squeeze bottle shots and heartfelt words from the emcee, Alexander Vasquez.

From the stage, Torres said, “I want to thank you all for being here to help me transform my life.” After three year of hormone treatments, 22-year-old Torres said, “For a while I didn’t know what the world would think, but I realized my life had to be more about me than about them.” The total cost of surgery, post-surgical care and travel will be $9,000, and Torres has found a donor who will match all the funds he raises.

The transgender community faces high levels of employment discrimination, and health insurance often exclusdes transition-related care. These conditions leave many trans people in the same position as Torres—without access to the care they need.

Ahkia Veshay, a community organizer who helped plan the event, said this is the first step towards forming Transformers, an organization that will assist trans men with fundraising. To get involved or donate, contact Veshay at ahkiaveshay@yahoo.com.