I’m George (they/ them) and I’m trying to raise the funds to have my top surgery, hopefully before I’m 30 next October!

I’ve known I wanted and needed this for a while but have felt really vulnerable in asking for financial support from folks. I am working and saving at the moment and I’m aware this is a privilege others don’t have so please support those most in need where you can! The cost of top surgery is usually between 8-10k so I’m doing my best to raise this independently but as its impacting my mental health significantly and taking me a long time to save, I’m reaching out with hopes of support, however small.

It’s hard to describe the incredible joy and freedom I’ve felt since starting to be my most authentic non-binary self. I’ve had a lot of joy in being honest with who I am, how I want to dress and style my hair etc. However, I sadly still experience a lot of discomfort and dysphoria about my chest.

Binding my chest makes me feel most like myself, but has caused a lot of physical pain in my ribs, affected my asthma and therefore my health anxiety about the impact of doing so. I’ve had to avoid binding where possible and instead find myself layering my clothes to hide my chest and constantly feel conscious of covering up. I love playing football, going to the gym, climbing and going swimming but find being in sports clothes and swim wear more and more challenging as it’s hard to hide my chest. Now, as we head towards another summer, the dread is setting in around clothing options and I’ll be feeling incredibly uncomfortable.

I’ve struggled with gender in terms of my place and role in a binary society for as long as I can remember. I didn't know that's what it was and I didn't have the language so just thought I was the problem and needed to fit in. I tried to challenge norms and feel comfortable in myself but I've never felt at ease or a sense of joy in my identity as I do now. Embracing being non-binary has truly given me a sense of freedom that's hard to articulate. As much as I’m happier than ever before in this way, there’s this next part that ultimately will mean more joy and self-acceptance over the constant lingering and distressing dysphoria.

My goal with fundraising is to do things that folks will benefit from so I'm gonna be selling crochet things and I might try running some footy tournaments and maybe quizzes etc.

I know times are very tight and the cost of living is brutal but any support of any amount would be so appreciated, and I’d be forever grateful.