Hi, my name is Eli and I am a 19yr old trans man living in the UK.

I put off setting up a gofundme for gender affirming care a number of times due to the rawness of telling my story. But in many ways this care could save my life and I feel that it is too important to ignore any longer.

I have struggled with gender dysphoria for as long as I can remember, feeling confused as I was told I could no longer play spots with boys as we were at the age where we must be categorised by gender. Feeling misplaced in dresses, forcing myself to play the part of being a girl. Feeling nauseated by puberty and the sound of my own voice. I felt like a shell of a human for so long and it has only been recently, since starting testosterone that I began to feel whole. Top surgery, however, has always been my main goal, as it caused me so much dysphoria.

After much deliberation, I have chosen to go privately for my surgery. This is due to the extensive wait times on the NHS. I have been on the Leeds GIC waiting list for 2 years, and still have 8+ years to wait until my first appointment, then having to wait another 2 years for my first top surgery consultation. With these long wait times, it feels impossible to ever feel comfortable in my body. And as such, I have began my journey to achieve top surgery privately. Whilst I am actively saving as much as I can as an estranged student, I still need help.

I appreciate the time you have taken to read my story, I am truly grateful and any support whether big or small helps.

Thank you,

Eli