Fund Fred's Flattening

Hey everyone, I'm Fred. I'm a 24 y/o trans man living in London and I'm raising funds to access top surgery privately this autumn/winter, if all goes to plan- as I'm sure everyone is aware, gender affirming healthcare on the NHS is currently at a crisis point and the waiting lists for surgeries are only getting longer. I've already waited so long to be in the body and the life that is right for me- I don't think I'd make it another five, six, nine years. I've been lucky enough to access HRT privately with help from my loved ones, my family and my community, and now I'm asking for your help to get free of the discomfort of binding, the curse of perpetual terrible posture, the psychological torment of chest dysphoria and (we can but hope for even some small improvement) the deep pain of constant misgendering.

I'm a poet, an artist, and a recent graduate with a first class BA (Hons) in English and creative writing, and I'm currently working for a small language school as a research assistant for just below London living wage- after five years of being in full-time study on and off (during which time I have been diagnosed with ADHD, go figure) I have no savings to speak of, and I'm not earning enough to get out of my overdraft let alone pay for this life-changing, emotionally liberating, physically empowering and deeply necessary surgery.

I'm hoping to arrange a sponsored walk/swim with my family at some point soon. I also have plans to sell some artwork and craft pieces to supplement the fundraising process, both of which I will post about here when the time comes- but with my first appointment looming it feels important right now to put this out there and hope there are some kind and generous people who are willing to help make this happen.

With love and gratitude, I implore you to give whatever you are able to- no amount is too small or insignificant and every contribution will be felt and recognised for what it is (basically a miracle). And every contribution will be helping me get one step closer to standing up straighter, prouder, more whole- and plunging myself topless into the sea with no fear or hesitation (basically a miracle). Thank you in advance for whatever you can give, from the very bottom of my heart. Fred x