Hi, I'm Gethin. You might already know me, but if you don't, some background:

I'm a transgender man who came out in 2024. After the disheartening wait times to access NHS gender affirming care, I took matters into my own hands and went private for GAC and started taking testosterone through Gender GP. I have, so far, covered these costs by myself. Starting testosterone saved my life, and changed it in ways I never imagined it would. I knew it would help, but I didn't quite realise just how much it would help. It's been the biggest blessing and I'm thankful I made that decision every day.

There is, however, one huge hurdle that remains - top surgery. In the UK the wait time for NHS-funded top surgery is over five years at minimum. I cannot wait this long for a surgery that is absolutely vital to my health, and to my physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

At present I bind my chest using either a binder or trans tape, neither of which are particularly comfortable. The binder is hot, bulky, and restrictive. The tape, whilst less hot and bulky, causes me to develop skin irritation due to me being allergic to the adhesive.

It may sound odd to those who haven't experienced gender dysphoria, but being a pre-surgery trans man limits me in a lot of ways. I avoid gyms despite my love of working out because I'm worried people will be able to tell I still have a chest, I avoid dating because I'm uncomfortable with the idea of anyone seeing my body. I'm constantly having to readjust my clothing multiple times a day to make sure my shirt isn't clinging to my binder in a way that shows the outline of it, or getting paranoid that my chest doesn't look flat enough with trans tape on. The list goes on. It affects everything, and it does so on a daily basis.

It's an unfortunate reality for many trans people, having to crowdfund vital care, and I am not exempt from that reality.

I am, of course, aware that these are financially difficult times for the vast majority of people, which makes asking for help with this even more uncomfortable. Everyone has their own things to deal with and their own finances to look after, their own vital costs to cover. I do not want anyone to feel pressured to donate - if you cannot donate or just simply don't want to, that's completely understandable. Even just sharing the link to this fundraiser is a massive help.

Love and appreciate you all.

Gethin.