Hi, my name is Rax. I’m a trans man living and working on Gadigal Land, and I’m fundraising for my top surgery, a gender- affirming step I’ve waited years for. This surgery is essential to my wellbeing, safety, and living fully as myself.

I was born and raised in Malaysia, where it is often unsafe for trans people to access healthcare or live openly. Because of Sharia law, some states still carries the risk of imprisonment. Growing up, I had to hide who I was and had no safe way to get the care I needed.

I made a tough decision to leave my home country and family to live safely and transition. But that came with a huge financial burden: my visa and legal fees alone cost around $15,000 -money I had to save while working in hospitality during lockdowns, all while supporting a family member in Malaysia.

After getting my visa, I began saving again for top surgery. Just as I was getting close, an immediate family member passed away, and I had to use most of my savings to cover funeral costs. It was the right thing to do, but it set me back significantly.

Chest dysphoria affects me every day. I bind daily, which helps, but it’s painful, limits my movement and breathing, and has caused upper-back strain from years of binding and my physical job. Top surgery would finally give me freedom, comfort, and a body that feels like mine.

The total cost of surgery, recovery, and follow-ups is around $20,000. I’m doing everything I can to save, but I can’t reach the full amount alone. Any contribution, even a few dollars, or sharing this fundraiser would help a lot.

Thank you for reading my story. Your support means a lot to me and brings me one step closer to living freely and authentically. Something little me would've never thought of, growing up in Malaysia.