Jessica's transition goal

Hi, I'm Jessica Winters. That's me in the above photo!

I'm a software developer from the North of England, I also do hobbyist photography, video editing, music production and a lot more. I also happen to be transgender.

You can check out my portfolio and more about me on http://iamjess.me

I've been publically out as trans for just over a year now, and I like to think I'm already quite far in transition.  I can 'pass' pretty well most days, and I'm working hard on getting my voice there too. I'm not really known as male to anybody anymore.

I recently have come into some hardship. I've been a self-employed software developer since just before I came out. Partly to make the transition process a bit easier, and also because I enjoy this work more. It usually even pays more.

However, after a particularly good period, I stopped getting work. I have a small part-time client now, but that isn't enough to pay the bills.

I've been looking to move back into full-time work for the past couple of weeks, and I'm pretty confident I can do that as me, I'm actually really excited to do so.

Unfortunately,  there are a few barriers to doing this, and a few other complications, so this GoFundMe is to ask for help, if you can, to get me back on track and to continue being happier living as myself!

I'm listing these in an order of importance, if I don't hit my goal but still do get some funding, you know where the money will be going.

I've been self-medicating on hormones since early July. They've saved my life, quite literally, and the effects of them are incredible in many ways, mental as well as physical. I'm on my last month of Estrogen, and not far behind on anti-androgens (Testosterone Blockers).  Currently it costs from £100 to £250 to replenish for a few months worth (which you have to buy at once).
Withdrawl from Hormone Therapy can be pretty nasty, it's like an extreme version of menopause, and the associated dysphoria can severely affect mental health. I'd really rather not go through that.

I have my first of many appointments at the Gender Clinic in early December. Getting appointments at UK GICs is a long process, and I can't afford to miss it. This puts me on the road to NHS funded hormones, Laser Hair Removal and eventually Gender Reassignment Surgery.  This fund would just go towards travel, as the GIC clinic is about 3 hours away via public transport.  This costs between £30 and £60 depending on times, routes, and how far I can walk both ways.


I really need to get some documents changed. I've been legally Jessica Winters for over a year, however being self-employed, I've had no need to change the name on my drivers license (I don't drive) or my passport (I don't travel out of the country). However both these are very very useful for when you get employed at a job.  To get both of these documents changed costs about £120

I'd really not have to out myself to a new employer, as you can imagine, even in todays more accepting climate, it can cause complications. I want as few barriers to a new job as possible!

Lastly, another complication of being self-employed is that I don't really have any work appropriate clothes. I have nothing suitable for an interview, either male or female clothing. Nor do I have many decent outfits for a standard work week, maybe 2 or 3 at a push.  I always buy cheap / thrifted clothes, and usually wear them until the last possible moment.  A good work wardrobe would do wonders.

I hope this isn't against GoFundMe's rules, but I also would like to say, when I do get a job, I should be on a reasonable wage. I'm quite skilled and experienced at software development.  I can more than take care of myself once employed, and after clearing my backlog of bills, I'd donate whatever I raise here back to a charity. It'd be only fair as you all would have helped me so much. I'd probably donate to another trans charity, or one for people in abusive relationships. 

If you can't afford to help financially, sharing this campaign would be a great way to help, and please, if you have any trans friends, please talk to them. Some people don't have many people to talk to, and you can literally save lives just by a quick checkup message.