Chrissi Bates Makes History with Groundbreaking Surgery at UMass Memorial

Chrissi Bates, well known for her advocacy in Worcester, joins Talk of the Commonwealth to tell us about her groundbreaking vaginoplasty performed at UMass Memorial in Worcester—the first trans woman to undergo bottom surgery outside of Boston. Bates is joined by Dr. Ashley Alford, who is one of the few surgeons performing this gender-affirming surgery.

Bates tells us about the years-long journey to get to Dr. Ashley, as she refers to Dr. Alford, and become her true self. Dr. Alford goes over the surgery itself, and both talk about the psychological care that is needed, not just in the months leading up to the operation but also in the year after. The pair also discuss the political climate and how that may affect how people view such operations.

Bates hopes that as more of these operations are performed in Central Mass, a support group can be formed. She has a boyfriend and recently was given a new key to the city, a gesture from Worcester Mayor Joe Petty she appreciates, that changes the name on the key from Chris to Chrissi. She is a full-time caseworker for young adults under 25 experiencing homelessness.