Hi! My name is Han (they/them) and I'm a 29 year old nonbinary transmasc person. I'm seeking top surgery to help alleviate chest dysphoria and live freely as myself!

First, a little about me. I have lived in Japan for 5 years. Living in a different country from my own has been an amazing experience and really allowed me to learn more about myself. After a year of self exploration, I better understood something that had always simmered under the surface of societal expectations and other’s strong opinions about trans people. I was nonbinary. I thought I was being so subtle as I tested the waters during DnD with my “they/them” character’s pronouns. But of course my friends saw right through me. They had already started practicing using they/them for me when I wasn’t around so if I did choose to come out, I would be given an easier social transition. This validation helped me realize how important being seen was to me. Living with complete acceptance and understanding of me as my own person, rather than a gender assigned to me, became the norm for me and I soon followed suit with my family and close friends abroad.

Through this journey in becoming more comfortable with who I am, I’ve become more aware of what I am not comfortable with. My chest has been a source of great discomfort and emotional turmoil for me. Every day I experience dysphoria related to it. Due to my chest size, and the long, humid summers of Japan, I’m not capable of wearing a binder daily without immense discomfort. Even when binding, that discomfort creates dysphoria because it draws my attention to the very thing that I’m trying to hide. I have dreamed of top surgery for years with excuse after excuse after excuse as to why I’m undeserving. On my 29th birthday it hit me. I’m nearly 30, and can’t imagine a world where I reach 40 living like this. I want to experience the freedom to stop carrying this literal weight on my chest.

With my mind made up, I have done a great amount of research and recently met for consultations. I have learned more about what specific results I can expect and an estimate for the cost. I am working on saving up money, but it could take nearly a decade for me to cover the full cost on my own. Regardless, I am determined and, after rigorous urging from loved ones who want to see me whole and happy, I am asking for help. If even a fraction of the cost is donated, I am grateful to have this timeline shortened. As Japan doesn't have many options for top surgery, I will be traveling abroad. The money from this fundraiser will cover expenses such as international flights, hotels, hospital testing, and more.

To ask this of anyone feels incredibly humbling. I fully understand if you are unable to donate to my cause at this time. However, if you are able to, any amount you can give will help me move up the timeline and receive this gender affirming surgery sooner! I also ask, whether you are able to donate or not, if you're able to share this link on your social media, it would really help me!

Thank you for your support in whatever form it takes,

Han