Help Eddie Raise Money for HRT
Donation protected
What do I need support with?
Short answer: a crowdfunder. Long answer; a donation/financial support towards a crowdfunder for HRT and social transitioning from male to female. Specifically, for me.
Some background.
Since I was 19, I've known that I've never felt comfortable with identifying as male - there was always a disconnect that I couldn't understand; and it had been ongoing for years, through university and beyond. Then lockdown happened right as I dropped out of studying for my MA, and had spent over a year stuck with my thoughts.
In October 2020 (which places me at 23), I came out as trans. I've always felt more comfortable presenting more femininely, I have felt more strongly connected to female protagonists in fiction, I have always preferred women's fashion and beauty above men's and the term, for me at least, provided the answer as to why I never liked my body since I was a teenager; I was, and still am, in the wrong body.
So far, I have been fortunate enough to have friends, family and colleagues who have given me unconditional support, and I can never thank them enough for how much their love has brought me to tears.
Words cannot express how much I want to transition and finally be in a body that I can love, to finally have some happiness and solace in my already chaotic life, the amount of stress and emotional torture I have gone through to reach this decision to transition, how much dysphoria I feel when I'm presenting as a man and the tears of happiness I feel when I see myself as a woman and how much I have to consider both being happy as myself and protecting myself from anyone who wants try and pull me down.
This isn't a trend, or some mixed up emotions, as some people seem to think. I never "chose' to be trans, like it ever was a choice, as some people seem to think. The only choices in this scenario are me deciding to transition and how I do so.
I have no regrets about coming out as trans and have no regrets about the actions I plan to take. The only regret I have is that I wish I had known I was trans much earlier, because right now, it feels like I have lost precious time, and I do not plan to lose more.
Some background.
Since I was 19, I've known that I've never felt comfortable with identifying as male - there was always a disconnect that I couldn't understand; and it had been ongoing for years, through university and beyond. Then lockdown happened right as I dropped out of studying for my MA, and had spent over a year stuck with my thoughts.
In October 2020 (which places me at 23), I came out as trans. I've always felt more comfortable presenting more femininely, I have felt more strongly connected to female protagonists in fiction, I have always preferred women's fashion and beauty above men's and the term, for me at least, provided the answer as to why I never liked my body since I was a teenager; I was, and still am, in the wrong body.
So far, I have been fortunate enough to have friends, family and colleagues who have given me unconditional support, and I can never thank them enough for how much their love has brought me to tears.
Words cannot express how much I want to transition and finally be in a body that I can love, to finally have some happiness and solace in my already chaotic life, the amount of stress and emotional torture I have gone through to reach this decision to transition, how much dysphoria I feel when I'm presenting as a man and the tears of happiness I feel when I see myself as a woman and how much I have to consider both being happy as myself and protecting myself from anyone who wants try and pull me down.
This isn't a trend, or some mixed up emotions, as some people seem to think. I never "chose' to be trans, like it ever was a choice, as some people seem to think. The only choices in this scenario are me deciding to transition and how I do so.
I have no regrets about coming out as trans and have no regrets about the actions I plan to take. The only regret I have is that I wish I had known I was trans much earlier, because right now, it feels like I have lost precious time, and I do not plan to lose more.
Why do I need your help?
Because this isn't cheap, in fact, it's eye-wateringly expensive, but this is my best option. Currently, I live in the UK, where the whole system for transitioning (as well as wider trans healthcare) is deeply broken and unfit for purpose.
Whilst it is free to medically transition in the UK, the waiting lists for a mere referral can last between two to four years and the process to get hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves outdated assessments from a panel that predetermines whether or not I'm eligible - and there are no plans to fix the system.
Going private means I can attain the healthcare I need much quicker but at a cost.
How much is it?
Well, the full cost, including all the surgeries I plan to have equates to nearly £43,000 (I know my heart sunk too.)
The crowdfunder I've set up, however, has the more attainable goal of £2,000, which is still a lot, but covers HRT and all the relevant appointments that come attached.
If the public health route was much better and didn't come with ridiculous wait times and outdated assessments then I wouldn't feel the need to make this post.
How can you help?
There are two ways you can help me reach my £2,000 goal:
One - you can make a donation to this crowdfunder; any contribution is greatly appreciated.
Two - share this post (and the crowdfunder) everywhere you can think of. The more people see it the better.
To be honest, I have no idea if this will work but I'm hopeful can get somewhere with it. Also, there is no pressure to donate if you can't afford it.
Lastly...
Thank you for sticking around this long. This is a big ask and I will be dead on grateful to anyone that helps. My messages are always open if you have any questions and I will always answer (just no rude or invasive ones please.)
As always, thank you and stay safe,
Eddie (they/them) xxx
Organizer
Eddie Thomas
Organizer
England
