Venus' Transition Surgery

Hi, my name is Venus, thank you for reading my fundraiser which is to raise money for (hopefully) the last of my paid transition surgeries. I'm a 27 year old trans woman based in London, currently looking for work but I produce queer nerdy events at SlayStation when I'm able.

I've never been good at asking for things with nothing in return, it does feel like a selfish ask, but I shouldn't suffer either because my needs aren't seen important enough for universal healthcare. And after taking years to raise money myself for my last surgery, getting some support from friends in the end anyway, and feeling the transformational effects on my life instantly, I'm not sure I can wait the same amount of time.

For context and specifics as to what your donation would go towards, I paid over £5,000 for tracheal surgery last November which had immediate positive impacts on my quality of life. My next goal was brow bone contouring surgery, to change the gendering of a signfiicant part of my face and be happy and safe in who I am, physically. After extensive research and free consultations, the surgery is currently priced at around £18k on average. This includes surgeon fees, hospital fees, general anasthesia, material costs, and, for practices abroad, hotels and transport etc. Out of all the options I have considered, I feel most comfortable going forward with Facial Team who have quoted me at 21,750 Euros which is about £19,000, plus travel and food etc.

It took me over 3 years to raise £5,000 myself plus help from friends, so if I tried that same method again this time it could take me around 12 years, by that point the costs will likely be even higher. I have also been unemployed for nearly 2 months now, and whilst i'm actively searching and interviewing the current job market is not ideal.

Facial Team have had some cancellations in the coming months, and if I book with them before the end of July I can get a reduced surgery fee due to the cancellations, which should save at least £1k on the overall surgery, potentially more. The deposit is 20% of the total cost, so if I can raise £4k before the end of July I can save significant costs. Prices will also increase with this provider next year due to them opening their own accomodation, so I am keen to get this surgery this year for my own sake and to save money.

I am not looking to fundraise the total amount purely on GoFundMe, which is why the goal is at £15k, because I want to make concerted efforts myself to raise £3k+ outside of this. I appreciate the help of my community and allies so much, and I want to show you I am fighting to live the life I want too. That being said, should we raise over the target all extra support would be phenomenal.

Thank you for reading all of this, I hope it's been clear! It does feel odd to fight a case for why, out of all deserving reasons to spend money right now, I require some of your financial support. But I want to be transparent and also to show people the reality of transition, and the burden trans people globally face outside of stigma and hate. I want to live a life equal to that of my cis peers, and it does make me sad that to dream of that feels so scary, and to ask for it feels so big. It really does mean a lot your reading of this and any support, thank you. And I hope you know your support in any way, shape, or size will stay with me as I continue forward forging a life I can be happy with.

All my thanks and love, Venus x