Trans Queer Eye Subject Sues Employer Over Health Care

The first transgender subject on Queer Eye is suing his employer over trans-exclusionary health care.

Skyler Jay, who appeared on season 2 of the Netflix makeover show, has filed a lawsuit against the University System of Georgia, reports LGBTQ Nation.

The suit seeks to expand health coverage for trans employees of USG's 26 public institutions, which are governed by the Georgia Board of Regents. As documented on Queer Eye, Jay was denied coverage for expenses related to his transition. He went into debt to cover the costs.

"I have no expectations, only hope," Jay stated on Twitter about the lawsuit. "But I whole heartily feel that it's time for change. I never want someone like me to suffer the way I have under these exclusions ever again."

The bill for Jay's gender-confirmation surgery totaled $16,000. His "direct community" raised $8,200 to cover the expenses. But Jay said complications from top surgery incurred additional costs.

"Having to spend a week in the hospital, battle with my insurance company/employer for coverage, have a second surgery revision and potentially a third, as well as several months of monitoring my GI tract to ensure my internal bleeding did not reach fatal levels has all taken a mental, emotional, physical, and financial toll on me," Jay said.

To help cover his care, Jay launched a GoFundMe page. In addition to paying down Jay's debt, donations will help several charity organizations, including Athens Queer Collective and Southern Fried Queer Pride.

"Every share helps, every dollar counts," Jay wrote on GoFundMe. Watch his fundraising update below.