Hello!

My name is Maira Vandiver, and I'm a genderqueer actor originally from Maine, now living and working in London. I've lived with chest dysphoria for many years, even before coming out in 2022, and have spent the last three years binding (you don't know real shortness of breath until you've performed a panto in GC2B). The NHS waiting list for top surgery is currently 10+ years and getting longer, leaving private treatment as my only reliable option. I'm overjoyed and slightly terrified to say I've secured an operation at The Cadogan Clinic with Dr. Mohsen El-Gammal on October 27th, 2025.

This is by no stretch of the imagination an inexpensive procedure--not only do I need to pay for the surgery itself, but also two consultations and two separate letters of gender dysphoria diagnosis (plus the cost of taking two weeks off work). This brings the total cost to approximately £12000, or $16095 (full cost breakdown below). This is an absolutely nauseating figure--however, I've managed to save £9000 ($12070) over the past few years, meaning I now only need to fundraise £3000 ($4000) to cover costs.

As the US and the UK continue to pass anti trans and queer legislation, I refuse to stay hidden and quiet. Both onstage and off, I won't live anything less than a fully embodied and authentic life. I'd be beyond honoured if you chose to help me get there.

TLDR: I can't take another UK heatwave in a binder, so please, please, give me money. I'll give you a kiss or something in payment. Or make you some sourdough. 

Love, Maira

COST BREAKDOWN

• Surgery: £11,250 ($15089)

• Consultations: £150 ($201)

• Letters of diagnosis: £435 ($583)

TOTAL: £11,835 ($15873), plus a small buffer for taking time off work

EDIT: Goal lowered to £2300 after a fundraising event which raised £700!