Financial Feminist 239. The Cost of Being Trans with Ash Perez
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Jun 16, 2025 Ash Perez, a Cuban-Korean-Filipino writer and openly trans man, shares his powerful journey through gender transition and financial realities. He candidly discusses the often-overlooked costs, from surgeries to lost job opportunities. Ash emphasizes the need for genuine support from cisgender allies while navigating societal expectations. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of transitioning and the importance of empathy and representation in fostering understanding. Listeners will gain insight into the complexities of identity, financial survival, and the pursuit of authentic joy.
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Personal Cost for Top Surgery
- Ash Perez paid $5,000 out of pocket for top surgery to ensure care and safety beyond insurance coverage.
- He chose a surgeon specializing in trans care over a general plastic surgeon to avoid misgendering and rushed consults.
Hidden Transition Costs
- Transition-related expenses include more than surgery, such as therapy, hormone care, and community support.
- These costs create ongoing financial and emotional burdens often unrecognized by outsiders.
Testosterone Hygiene Changes
- Testosterone causes increased sweating and body odor, requiring new hygiene routines and costlier deodorants.
- Ash Perez must change sheets frequently and now uses more expensive male-brand deodorant for gender affirmation.