Hi, I'm Max, and as most of you know I am transgender.
I'm saving up for Top surgery, which is a procedure to remove the breast tissue and give myself a flat chest. This procedure can cost up to £10,000 which is why I need your help. I've saved £5,000 so far and am homing to save another £1,000 in the next few months. This surgery would be massively affirming for me, as this is one of the last steps in my medical transition. I currently wear something called a binder to give the appearance of a flat chest. This is one of the only things that helps relieve my gender dysphoria. Chest binders are around £40, and very uncomfortable as they compress the fat on your chest. They can ultimately cause long term damage, and effect breathing.
I have had to go private for my transition as the NHS waiting lists are over 3 years, and I'm no longer able to wait due to the effect on my mental health. Private health care is incredibly expensive, and just one appointment with my doctor costs up to £300. I have been lucky enough to get a appointment for a referral for surgery on Monday 10/1/2022, which has cost £150.
I've known since I was about 11, but I began my transition at 16, in 2018. I came out to my friends at the age of 12, and told my family at 15. I legally changed my name in August 2018, and started living as male full time. Unfortunately this effected my friendships as not everyone is supportive. I was referred to the Gender Identity Development Service at 13, and was on the waiting list for a year before being seen. I had one appointment every month until I turned 18, when I was discharged. I was then referred to the adult service, where I had an appointment which was cancelled 4 times. I finally saw the doctor in November 2021, by which time I had already started the process of being seen privately. I am being seen by two doctors at Gendercare, since September 2020. Thanks to this I was able to start testosterone in May 2021. This has greatly improved my confidence and mental health, as I feel like I'm beginning to become the person I was always meant to be.
I really appreciate any help you can give, and if you can't donate please share this around.
Thank you so much