Miles Nelson’s Gender Affirming Care Fund

UPDATE:

In light of the absolutely incredible turnout of this fundraiser, I have raised my fundraiser goal! After careful consideration, I have decided to shoot for the stars, taking baby steps towards raising enough money for top surgery. The average cost of this in the UK is around £10,000. If we don't reach this new goal, we will continue to follow the original plan by placing the money into an emergency fund where it will pay for lifelong prescriptions of testosterone, and any further expenses related to my transition.

Once again, thank you so so much for donating, and for giving me the space to work towards being my truest self. Let's keep the momentum going!

EDIT:

Oh my gosh, everyone. All I can say is wow.

We were expecting to be working towards this goal all month for BookWyrm's birthday, and have blasted past it in just over 24 hours. I really cannot express in words how much this means to me -- which is ironic, considering putting feelings into words is my career.

We now have the funds for my initial appointment, my diagnosis, follow up appointments and endocrinologist. So what now?

I've been waiting for so long that I never really had the chance to consider what my transition would look like beyond HRT, and as mentioned, it's impossible to know exactly how much I'll need. So... If you donate beyond this point, I'll be able to set aside the funds for emergencies, and even look at top surgery as an option in the future. This opens so many doors for me. My plan is, for now, to proceed as I've planned and then see where life takes me. Either way, the future looks bright, and wonderful. I feel lighter than I have in years. And It's thanks to all of you.

Thank you all, so so much.

Hi everyone!!

If you are reading this, you probably already know who I am. If you don’t, my name is Miles. I am an author, illustrator, and the owner of BookWyrm, Durham’s indie queer bookshop. Each year for its birthday, BookWyrm has raised money for a different charity. Because of this, we know from experience that our regulars here at BookWyrm, and our community at large, are some of the most wonderful, generous people we've ever met. It has made us sure we were making the right decision. So this year for BookWyrm’s birthday, I am raising money to finally pursue a physical transition.

But… why now?

When I was 22, I was added to the waiting list for GIC clinics. Supposedly, the list was just under 2 years long at the time. So I waited. When I was 25, I asked for an update, but there were still 2 years to go. And as of writing this, aged 28, I still have 2 and a half years to wait. I have been waiting for so long that it seemed pointless to pursue private treatment, but I realized that I will be well into my 30's by the time I'm even considered for treatment.

And I crumbled.

Throughout the years waiting I'd made plans. Dreamed of being a dad, of swimming again and not cringing at the sound of my own voice. But really, I just want to go to the toilet without being glared at in one bathroom and laughed at in the other. I want to be able to look in the mirror again, try new clothes that really, really suit me, and I want to reach the stage of my life where I can finally consider myself an adult. I've been waiting all of my 20's just to feel human, and I genuinely don't think I can do it any longer.

Which is why we need your help.

I'm crowdfunding because this year is the last year I want to wait. We earn a livable wage with a combination of BookWyrm’s earnings and universal credit, but not enough to save for private diagnosis and treatment. It is my goal to be prescribed testosterone, for which I will need a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and prescriptions for the foreseeable future, as well as associated follow-up appointments and treatments. This is why we have decided to crowdfund this year.

My preferred private clinic is Gendercare. This has been decided based on the experiences and advice of trusted friends who have also pursued private treatment.

An initial diagnosis with my preferred doctor (Dr John Lorimer) starts at £500, with appointments being £250 after that. In addition to the diagnosis itself, I will need an appointment with an Endocrinologist. My ideal choice, Dr Leighton Seal, costs £300 for an initial appointment and £170 for follow-ups.

So, why overshoot?

Why am I aiming for £2000? Treatment of any kind can involve unseen complications and extra appointments, and it is impossible to truly know how much money will be needed overall. Although it is my hope that I will not need it all, I cannot predict how much I will ultimately need to raise. It is better to overshoot, I think, and have a little bit left over for prescriptions, than have to hold another fundraiser in the future.

I don’t really know how to conclude this crowdfunder, so I just wanted to say thank you so much for reading. Your support, whether you have donated, shared this post, or simply read through to the end, means the whole world to me.