Help Lucy fund her Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Lucy, I am a 26 year old disabled, neurodivergent, working class trans woman and filmmaker ️⚧️ ♿
You may know me from my feature film 'Pronouns in Bio' or my short film 'A Tight, Warm Hug', both of which document my transition which I shot and edited by myself.
I made a loss on both films, but for me it was not about that; I found the filmmaking process cathartic and essential to my journey. Both films are available to watch for free on my YouTube channel, here:
Pronouns in Bio (2022)
A Tight, Warm Hug (2024)
Both works have been screened at film festivals throughout the UK and United States, including at Norwich University of the Arts for Norwich Queer Fest, at TRANSlations Transgender Film Festival in Seattle and at Out on Film in Atlanta.
Alternatively, you may have seen some of my Instagram Reels or TikToks - such as this video which gained over half a million views;
Although I find it embarrassing to ask for money from friends/strangers, the huge cost of Facial Feminization Surgery makes it essentially inaccessible to me.
In 2020, when I was s--cidal and actively self-h--ming, I discovered that trans people exist and realising that I was one of them, began my social and medical transition.
Since then I have undergone various medical procedures to align my body with my gender;
- (2020-2021) Started lazer hair removal
- 27th June 2021 - Started private hormone replacement therapy (HRT) whilst I was on the NHS waiting list
- July 2024 - Started Electrolysis
- April/May 2025 - Had dermal filler
All of the above have been entirely self-funded, apartment from HRT covered by the NHS since 2024 and a limited amount of electrolysis sessions on my face/neck funded by the NHS.
Despite all of the above, I still experience a huge amount of discomfort every day which impacts my mental health dramatically.
I constantly worry about how I am perceived by other people and with trans hate crime on the rise year-on-year, I avoid using spaces like public toilets as much as possible.
I feel that facial feminization surgery is essential to align my body with my gender, and to make me feel safer.
Upon discovering that the NHS does not cover any surgeries for trans women apart from "bottom surgery", I had a consultation with Facial Team (facial feminization surgery experts based in Spain) in July 2024.
I am confident that I'll be in safe hands there, since many other trans women I know of have had their FFS with Facial Team.
FacialTeam's updated quote as of July 2025, which includes transport to and from the airport and accommodation, is 40,656 euros - approximately £35,000.
Minus my savings of £10,000.
Add 2.9% to cover GoFundme fees and money for taxis/flights and I'm left with around £26,000 to raise.
Although I've struggled with chronic fatigue and brain fog since mid 2023, I can just about manage to hold down a part time job (4 days a week), and I do as much freelance/volunteer work for the trans community outside of that as I can, which has included;
- Being featured in Mermaids' #MyPrideFamily campaign film:
- Writing for Mermaids' for trans awareness week:
- Writing for Metro's 'Pride and Joy' series: https://metro.co.uk/2024/03/17/met-a-chat-room-full-lad-banter-now-trans-love-20470284
- Being featured in Jess Crooks' documentary 'Dear Wes... (Part 1) The Pledge' which directly addresses Wes Streeting's inaction around supporting the trans community: https://youtu.be/06bu04v-fXA?si=D-pZUR3yzwIEptsD
- I am currently working on a documentary film commissioned by Film and Video Umbrella (FVU)
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Any shares are appreciated and I hope you consider supporting me.
Lucy
Organiser
Lucy Rose Shaftain-Fenner
Organiser
England