Today is Trans Day of Visibility, and the 4th year I have celebrated this day while being a visible and out trans person in Iowa. . In November of last year, I finally got to have top surgery. And while I, like most people, have a complicated relationship with my body, let me tell you - having top surgery has been one of the best, most loving gifts I have ever given myself. . Where there was once pain so deep I wished I could carve out my own skin, there is now the softness of relief and ease. Like changing my name, where there was once pain, there is not only the absence of that pain, but in its place something even more beautiful - these scars. . Today is the first time I am sharing my top surgery scars with the world. I don’t believe anyone owes others that. But I really LOVE my top surgery scars! And I love the ways this body of mine has morphed and changed to hold who I am today. How it has stretched and grown instead of breaking - like a tree, storm-battered, but always reaching toward the sun. . So for this Trans Day of Visibility I am focusing on my own JOY. . I love being trans! I love being my truest self. I love the community that has come from me living as my truest self. And I love those that have held me and loved me along the way. . I am deeply grateful for these scars. Trans healthcare saved my life. And it does for so many trans folks. We have so much joy in us because we know what it is like to live as our truest selves. And what a gift that is. 🏳️‍⚧️ . And while I get to celebrate my scars, I know that trans healthcare for youth in BANNED in Iowa. And so many trans folks simply do not have access to the care they need. So please donate today to @iowatransmutualaidfund which provides funds to trans, non-binary and gender-diverse Iowans seeking gender-affirming care. Including youth who need to leave the state to access care. Mutual aid is the epitome of “we take care of us.” Every trans person deserves access to make decisions about their healthcare. No less will do. . Happy Trans Day of Visibility! Sincerely, your friendly neighborhood trans human. 🏳️‍⚧️✨ . Photos by my friend, the incredible @imolipop