Help Luc get Top Surgery

Hi! My name is Luc, and I am a 22 year old transmasc college student, hoping to access top surgery in the new year. Top surgery is something I have wanted my entire life, always feeling like it was a far-away dream that only lucky people I saw online could get. Top surgery would allow me to be free and comfortable in my own body, to dress comfortably and live without shame or dysphoria. The mental health benefits of accessing such a surgery, for me, really can't be exaggerated. Top surgery will also mean I don't have to bind anymore, which restricts my breathing and damages my muscle tissue and ribs.

Unfortunately, for many Irish trans people, we are forced to go abroad and pay higher costs for surgery, as the Irish system for gender affirming care is archaic, slow and underfunded, at one point losing the waiting list of trans patients, setting them back years. The current wait time to even get an appointment is over 2 years, and many people like me can’t wait that long. As such, I will be going abroad for my surgery.

I am hoping to get my surgery with Dr. Lago in Madrid, in which the quoted cost is 5'900. On top of this, I will have to stay a few weeks in Madrid after the surgery for my post-operative consultation and to monitor for complications. After speaking to some previous patients, they have quoted the overall cost of both surgery and post-operative costs such as surgical binder and living expenses at around 8'000-9'000. 3 weeks in Madrid in August is almost 1'500 alone. On top of food and further medical expenses the cost rises to between 8 and 9 grand.

I will also be out of work for a while after as I will not be able to move my arms much, lift heavy things or engage in much physical activity. This gofundme will help me access my transition in a way that won't set my life back.

While I don't have surgery booked yet, this gofundme will allow me to assess when I can get it based on how much money I have, and allow me to reach my goal that much faster.

If by any chance this gofundme goes past the expenses I need, I will redistribute the extra directly to other top surgery funds to help other people like me feel comfortable in their body.

I am so grateful to anyone who donates, and anyone who shares or even reads my story. I am completely indebted to those who help me on my journey to realising my transition and making a home for myself in my own body.

Yours,

Luc x.