Callie's transition & survival fund

Hi everyone,

I have finally started HRT after almost four years of being on the waiting list (!!!!!) - I'm very happy to have been on hormones for 7 months, but it is getting harder and harder to ignore my dysphoria or hide the fact I am trans* for safety reasons during this awkward, liminal time where my body exhibits both masculine and feminine secondary characteristics.

Unfortunately, estrogen does nothing to remove facial/body hair, which has always been my most intense source of dysphoria.

I have been given 8 laser hair removal sessions for my face as part of my NHS treatment, but I've been told I will still need to book more privately after the sessions are completed to achieve permanent results. This is going to cost over £2,000.

I will be getting bottom surgery on the NHS, but who knows how long the wait will be, and FFS (facial feminisation surgery) is not part of the current NHS transition pathway, so I will need to fork out approximately £18,000 for that eventually. There are also regular costs associated with the effects of my disability, EDS, which affects every system of the body and has no direct course of treatment.

So while I'm not able to save this huge amount, I am opening this fund to offer a bridge of support for my life and transition, which has been tumultuous, painstakingly long, expensive, and fraught with difficulty, as it is for most trans* people.

I am currently moving to Glasgow (which actually has an industrial music scene) and applying for jobs to bolster the small amount I make from my music. With organising a tour, dealing with a disability, adjusting to the effects of hormones and maintaining my creative practice, it's incredibly tough to tread water. I am proud of where I've managed to get to, but there's only so much one woman can do alone!

So, inspired by Amanda Palmer and her encouragement to seek the help we deserve, I am sincerely asking you for any help if you can give it. If you have ever been affected by my work or come to a show that moved you and haven't bought a record or signed up to the Patreon, donating to this fund will be a tangible and hugely appreciated sign of support. (If you'd prefer to support me monthly, then subscribing to my Patreon page is the best way to go).

Thank you thank you thank you in advance, and all my love forever,

Callie Rose

(lonely carp)⁹