Help Michael get top surgery

Hi! I’m Michael, a 20 year old student and trans man from Scotland. Unfortunately, the wait times for trans healthcare in the UK are horrendous and I desperately need top surgery. One of my main points of dysphoria is around my chest and for the last 3 years or so I have been binding almost every single day to give a flat appearance. Over time, this has caused me great discomfort physically with constant back pain, breathing struggles, and bruising. Yet, the physical pain is far easier to focus on and deal with than the dysphoria of not binding. I constantly have to cover up in multiple layers of clothing and avoid wearing certain things in fear that it will show off my chest.

I have given up so much just to try and make myself feel better. I want to go swimming, take my top off at concerts and festivals, feel a shirt on my skin, not worry about what I am wearing, and many other tiny things that most people never have to think twice about. All of these things would be possible after top surgery.

If I didn’t think it was necessary to ask for help, I wouldn’t. But it has got to the point where every day I have to decide whether to sacrifice my physical or mental wellbeing. It shouldn’t be that way. The NHS waitlist is so long that I won’t even be considered for surgery for another 3-5 years or so. I cannot wait that long. Getting this surgery will significantly benefit me and I will be forever grateful to whoever can help make that happen. It is a lot of money and while I am doing my best to save up as much as I can, I’ll never be able to save up enough by myself.

I am so thankful for every donation, no matter how big or small; each one gets me closer to surgery. Even if you can’t donate, a share would be much appreciated. Thank you so much for reading this, take care. Love you all x