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Connecting on a personal level is an important part of sharing ideas. On this page we'll present some details about
our organization and the people behind it.
How We Got Started
In 2003, a dear friend and mentor of mine passed away after having survived a number of years following a heart transplant.
It was a trying time not only for her physically but financially as well. A group of friends put on a fund raising benefit
to assist in paying for her medications.
Early in 2009, one of the people involved in that endeavor suggested
that I let my friends do the same sort of benefit to finance my chest surgery. I agreed on the basis that those involved
would commit to doing an annual event to help others get their surgeries as well.
The idea didn't take off
right away but it stayed in my mind and I discussed it with other trans-men and members of the community. There was interest
but people were initially slow to respond - these sort of things have not been fruitful in the past. After a lot of discussion,
a few folks decided to jump on board and we had our first organizational meeting in July 2009, we were off and running. Currently,
we have some small fundraisers planned to raise "seed" money for our first benefit which is planned for April
2010.
I and the other members of the founding group are looking forward to the future of this cause. We believe
that every trans-gender person should have access to the very vital surgeries necessary for physical transition. We are
currently focused on reconstructive chest surgery for female to males, but our vision is to someday be able to assist any
trans-gender person in their physical transition.
Michael Keeffe
Executive Director
Transgender
FORGE, Inc
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Our Staff
Michael Keeffe
Michael Keeffe is the founder and current operating manager of the FTM Fund. Michael also serves as the full time director
of Transgender FORGE, Inc.
Andrew Citino
Sasha Citino
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Mission Statement
The purpose of the Florida Trans Man Fund is:
To provide financial assistance to trans-men
for reconstructive chest surgery, by means of grants and/or loans.
To promote the health and
well being of all trans-gender persons through community support and referrals to services.
To create a needed alliance between the Trans and GLB communities.
We will meet these
goals through education, fund-raising and donations of time and money from members of the TGLB and straight communities
in the Tampa Bay Area.
Our Vision
The vision of the Florida Trans Man Fund is that we will be able to offer financial assistance to all trans-gender people
for their physical transition as well as basic medical needs and preventative care.
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