As many of you know, I am transgender and have lived as male for many years now. I have already begun my medical transition to feel more comfortable in myself by starting hormone therapy, almost 3 years ago. But there is one more step in my medical transition which is too surgery (chest removal and masculinisation).

This will be a gender affirming, and thus, life changing surgery for me. The surgery will enable me to feel comfortable in my own skin, a feeling that I cannot even remember anymore. As a consequence, it will enrich my life, allowing me to return to my loved sport of swimming, to not worry about my clothes and being seen as male by others, to not have to wear a chest restricting binder everyday to feel somewhat comfortable in myself, and much much more.

I am going to have this surgery privately because, as we all know, the NHS is really struggling. It deeply saddens me that this is the case but waiting lists for trans healthcare as incredibly long: 2-5 years. I have been waiting since 2018 (5 years) and am still 1.5 years away from any kind of care. I do not feel that I can continue to put my life on hold and to live in such a level of discomfort. Going private means I now have the date of 15th August and what a wonderful feeling to know it’s on the horizon!

The surgery will total £8,300. An awful lot of money. I am able to afford to pay £2,000 of this upfront and my lovely, kind girlfriend Olivia has offered to pay the same, up front. That leaves £4,300 to cover. My plan is to take out a loan for that amount, but I thought I would ask you, if you can, to donate. This would help to minimise the amount that I need to borrow. I have set the target to £2,000 but anything at all is undoubtedly the most precious gift to me. And the same goes for anything you can give.

We are all feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis so please, only donate if you can and if you would like to. There is another way for me. This is just a pot that is here for you to help me, if you can.

If you were planning to give me me a Christmas or birthday gift (this year and forever!), I ask that instead you donate to this fund. This is, literally, a life changing gift. But again, please, only donate if you can and if you want to.

Thank you,

Alec