Alt-Nation: A Benefit for Thea Shaheen

The Columbus Collective is putting on a benefit for Thea Shaheen who was screwed over by her insurance company. The tale goes that after waiting a year for her gender affirmation surgery and making three preparatory visits to San Francisco to work with a specialist, Blue Cross Blue Shield gave her two days notice that they were reversing their authorization of the surgery. She had bags packed, plane tickets for herself and family, hotels and had been counting down the days.

As awful as Blue Cross’ actions were, Thea never lost her cool. She just had a sad vacation trying to find out what happened and looking into legal options. Everyone told her the same thing: The insurance company wrote the small print and there is no legal recourse.

Yet the story has a happy ending.  After the Daily Beast wrote an article about the debacle that began to make the rounds on the internet, Thea got a call from Blue Cross Blue Shield asking if they could initiate an appeal on her behalf. Blue Cross Blue Shield reviewed her case and agreed to cover the surgery after all as a “medical necessity.”

This show has something for everyone. From the ghost folk/roots of The Low Anthem to the garage punk of Gym Shorts to the indie pop Pixels, this promises to be a great night of local music. The show also corresponds with Thea’s birthday and should be a great party. In addition the show will be a benefit to help recoup the money that was lost so she can make another trip to San Francisco in April to have the surgery.

The Low Anthem, Gymshorts, Pixels, and Pyramid will play a benefit for Thea Shaheen to get gender affirmation surgery on at the Columbus Theatre on Jan 29. Doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 8pm. Advance tickets are available online at benefitforthea.brownpapertickets.com for $20 advance.

Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com