Trans Man's Controversial Fundraising Campaign for Friend's Surgery Sparks Debate

Local Trans Man Launches Fundraising Campaign for Friend's Surgery A transgender man from the US is using social media to raise funds for a friend's gender-affirming surgery. Max, a personal trainer and therapist, created a video highlighting the disparity in fundraising outcomes between a racist incident and his friend's need. The video, which has garnered significant attention, shows Max asking viewers to search for a specific respirator mask online as a way to support the campaign. "I know that y'all can help me fundraise for a trans person of color's gender-affirming surgery," Max says in the video. He adds that a previous attempt at fundraising had limited success, prompting him to try a different strategy. The video's approach is somewhat unconventional, using a reference to a racist incident to illustrate the point. While this tactic has generated views, it also raises questions about its effectiveness and potential to alienate some viewers. The campaign has raised $1,185 towards its $6,000 goal, as of May 12, 2025. Despite the controversy, the video's heartwarming closing scene of Max's dog sleeping offers a positive note. The campaign underscores the ongoing need for support within the transgender community and highlights the challenges faced by individuals seeking gender-affirming care.