Help the Firebird Fly

Hello, my name is Phoenix.

I am 29 years old, and have lived my entire life feeling like I was born into the wrong body. In the past couple of years, I have come to learn that I am transgender, and have since found the courage and strength to rise from the ashes of who I once was, taking big steps towards becoming the man I was always meant to be. Spreading my wings to soar has proven to be a scary yet liberating journey, and I have never felt more alive, or more myself in my whole life.

In case you're unsure about how transitioning from female-to-male works, it often begins with coming out to friends and family, followed by a name and gender change on legal documents and social settings. This is often followed by hormone therapy. In my case, that means taking Testosterone regularly. I have been receiving it for three months now which is a huge accomplishment for me. The changes take lots of time, but with every passing day, I see just a little more of my true self when I look in the mirror...

The next step for me is top surgery.

I have hated my chest ever since it first made an appearance when I was around 11. Back then, I had no idea why I felt so uncomfortable in my body but it all makes sense now. Throughout the years, my extreme discomfort with my anatomy has never wavered, especially my chest. It has only grown more intense with time, and has greatly diminished my quality of life and ability to function. It's difficult for me to go out into public, especially without wearing a very restrictive chest binder, and even then I find myself hunching my shoulders and feeling incredibly ashamed and anxious, it has completely governed my life.

Despite feeling closer to freedom than ever before, (as I have now changed my name and pronouns), I have a long way to go, and it has been such an exhausting journey, spending each day feeling trapped in a body that does not match my brain.

My chest has always been the worst bit for me, and at last, I have a date for my top surgery. It is set for the end of March, 2024. Normally, surgeries are free on the NHS, but the waiting list for transgender healthcare is YEARS long; in my particular area, I would have to wait 5 to 7 years, perhaps more, just to have a surgery scheduled. For me, and many others like me, it would not be possible to continue on for that long without the treatment I so desperately need.

These types of surgeries are life-saving for many trans people, and I will do whatever it takes to get the care I need, and have been working so hard to save as much as I can. But times are tough, and it has been a struggle to reach that goal.

The total cost of my surgery, including traveling 5 hours to the hospital and staying in the area for a few days after, and the post-op trip two weeks later, will come to around £8000. Even a small bit of help would make a world of difference for myself and my husband, as we are on a very low income.

Every penny donated will go towards my surgery and travel costs, and help me achieve what has now become a life-long goal of feeling comfortable in my own body. If you can't help financially, sharing this link would also be a tremendous help.

Thank you so much for reading, and for your support!

Much love to you,

- Phoenix