Hi! My name is Mackenzie Qu (they/them), I’m 23, nonbinary transmasc, and I’m saving for gender-affirming top surgery yay!

This surgery will change my life. Currently, I bind everyday with trans tape, or with a compression binder. As a result my skin on my chest is often raw/ irritated, or I have sore ribs and feelings of breathlessness throughout the day. Neither are long term solutions to the suffocating chest dysphoria that makes it painfully difficult everyday to get dressed, to be in public, to work, and to exercise (I play football/ box/ practice yoga when I can afford to). 

I’ve lived in London since 2021 and am a final year journalism student/ writer/ lover of art, photography, and live music. At 15, I saw a glimpse of my trans-ness (and chest dysphoria) in the mirror, but growing up in the UAE I didn't have the language or the support to describe those feelings. I buried them deep with fear and shame; it took me 6 years to have the courage to come to terms with who I am.

Everything donated will cover the cost of surgery and consultation. I plan to go abroad as surgery in the UK costs upwards of £10,000, and the NHS waitlist is 6 years long and growing. I plan to save enough from my part-time retail job to cover the travel costs myself, aiming to book surgery for early-mid 2027 if I can. 

If you're feeling the pressure of cost of living, or are also trans and saving for gender-affirming care, don't worry about donating, but please share if you can, and let me help you fundraise too! <33