With Gender-Affirming Surgery, Euro Finds Joy and Freedom

For as long as he can remember,  Euro Trilll felt a disconnect between his body and his gender identity. Growing up in Massenricht, Germany and Tampa, Florida, Euro was very close to his three brothers and didn’t feel much difference between them.

“I always identified as one of the guys,” Euro says. “Even in high school when I identified as a masculine-presenting lesbian.”

But for Euro there was still a piece missing. That missing piece became clear when he moved from Tampa to Brooklyn. He settled in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood becoming an Afro-Punk musician and personal trainer.  Surrounded by a vibrant and supportive LGBTQ+ community, Euro made the decision to undergo gender-affirming surgery on the chest, also known as top surgery.

“Seeing people living their truth was a powerful experience,” he explained. “It helped me realize that I am a trans man.”

“From the very first consultation, I felt heard and respected. They answered all of my questions, addressed my concerns, and guided me through every step of the process,” Euro said.

In addition to Metropolitan, NYC Health + Hospitals has five Pride Health Centers that offer gender-affirming services. NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx also offers gender-affirming surgery.

Before the procedure, Euro’s gender dysphoria and physical discomfort were heightened by experiences of social isolation that impacted his mental health. Euro’s decision to get top surgery was a pivotal moment in his journey of self-love, self-actualization, and self-acceptance.

“I just wanted to be sure that I was doing it for me and not because of society,” Euro said.  “For me, getting top surgery was kind of like my way of asserting myself, reclaiming my body, and saying to the world ‘this is who I am’.”

Dr. Aron Kressel, Chief of Plastic Surgery at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, says Metropolitan is filing an unmet need.  

“For a lot of the patients we see, these surgeries are a life-changing experience which allows them to be their true selves.”

Euro now carries themselves with a renewed sense of peace, confidence, and hope for the future.

“I’m so happy I got top surgery. It was the best decision for me. Mentally I feel great, and physically I feel even better,” says Euro. “It’s empowering to see my physical self reflect who I’ve always been on the inside. And it’s amazing to know that the joy and freedom I feel now is just the beginning” he said with a smile.

Learn more about NYC Health + Hospitals Pride Health Centers and comprehensive LGBTQ+ Health Care Services here.