An overwhelming response to a fundraiser to assist female-to-male transgender people seeking chest surgery raised more than $2,500 on Nov. 13.
The second annual fundraiser, held at Georgie’s Alibi, saw standing-room only attendance and performances from local and national entertainers.
“I’m blown away,” said event organizer and entertainer Andy Citino, also known as 6-Pak. “It was truly an amazing evening.”
Citino said the FTM Fund event is a way to not only raise money for a worthy cause, but to increase the transgender community’s visibility in the overall LGBT community. He said gays, lesbians and bisexuals are often uninformed when it comes to trans issues.
“We’re letting the community know we’re here,” he said. “We’re part of the community and we love our community. FORGE executive director Michael Keefe is truly making a difference in our community.”
And the transgender community had fun while doing so. Several trans men were auctioned off during the night and a side auction featured donated items from area businesses and organizations. In all, $2,250 was raised for the FTM Fund, which is dispensed by FORGE, an organization focusing on transgender issues.
