Hello, my name is Ro (they/them), I’m a 25 year old trans illustrator and community volunteer from London. And if you’re here, you are witnessing some of the first steps I have taken in hopefully fundraising to get a life changing surgery!

I came out as trans non-binary back in 2015, but a traumatic home life meant I did not officially come out publicly until 2023. I have also been on the Tavistock GIC pathway since 2017. However, after nearly ten patient years, I reached the top of the waitlist last month, only to be told by them that I may still be waiting another five to ten years until any procedures will go ahead. From rising transphobia to the cancelling of referrals in Wales, I can no longer afford to wait any longer to become the person I have always been when I know that at any moment my progress on the NHS may be halted without review. To add fuel to the flame, I have also had three breast cancer scares in the past two years, in which doctors have recommended a double mastectomy. All reasons combined, I hope you can understand why this is a crucial procedure for me, but it’s taken me a while to speak up about this (mainly because I hate asking for help, and if you know me well, you know I’ll do anything I can to avoid it).

I’ve been incredibly lucky to start socially transitioning in a safe and accepting environment over the past two years, but there has always been a rather big weight on my chest (quite literally… having E cups is restricting enough!). After years of binding, poor posture and baggy clothes, I’ve realised that these options are only temporary solutions and will never alleviate my dysphoria. I want to be able to feel fully comfortable in my body; finally wear whatever clothes I want, exercise again without the feeling of my chest moving, not looking down in the shower with dread, and remove the worry of future cancer diagnoses.

I am very privileged to be able to even write this and set up my GoFundMe, but the financial burden is not lost upon me: my line of work, coupled with chronic illness and being forced out of my full time job last year due to my workplace refusing to make accessible accommodations, has made it difficult to make any real progress in saving up to pay for the surgery myself. However, I know that any price is worth it to allow me to live authentically as myself.

I am reaching out to my wonderful community to ask for support in fundraising for this life affirming care. I have spent the last five years helping others through fundraising, volunteering, protesting and creating. And now, I am hoping others may consider helping me in a similar way.

I have been given some official dates for the proposed surgery, which are either the 20th or 22nd of January 2027. If by some miracle half of the fundraiser is hit, I will be able to pay the deposit for surgery. If it isn’t, I will have to reschedule in the hopes I can fundraise some more, but this may mean I lose my spot for surgery (and in turn, repay again for the services leading up to it).

100% of funds raised will go towards medical, surgical, and aftercare costs. As I’m freelance and my work is contract-based, these funds will also help to cover lost income during recovery. I’ve popped a more detailed budget breakdown below for those who are interested.

If you’re able to donate, it would mean the absolute world to me, however large or small. And if you’re not in a position to donate right now, please share this with your community, family, friends, businesses, or anyone you may know! Every little bit of support will help get me closer to finally feeling myself.

I’m also wanting to organise a fundraiser event at some point in London, so if you are a creative and would like to get involved, please drop me a message!

I sell my work online as well, and any purchases made from my website from now on will go directly into my fundraiser. My shop is available if you click here.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read this.

All my love,

Ro xoxo

Budget Breakdown

Base Costs (quoted):

Additional Costs (expected):

= £11,745*

*any leftover or excess funds will be given back into the LGBTQIA+ community.