Dane's Top Surgery
Donation protected
Hi there!
For those of you who don't know me, my name is Dane - I'm a 24 year old FTM trans man living in St. John's, NL. I have set up this page in hopes that it will help me to pay for my upcoming gender confirmation surgery, which will involve the removal of my breasts and masculinization of my chest. I have planned to complete this procedure at the McLean Clinic in Mississauga, ON., and the cost of the surgery, alone, is $7910. As you might be able to guess, I don't have that kind of money floating around. On top of this cost, I will have to pay for travel and all related expenses, and I will also be sacrificing my regular income while I am off work for surgery and recovery.
So, what's the big deal about my breasts, anyway? Why do they have to go? Here are a few of the issues that they present:
Body dysphoria, and the constant, nagging fear that someone may notice my carefully concealed breasts. I spend a long time in front of the mirror, making sure things are just right, checking my chest from every angle, and switching outfits to ensure that I feel comfortable. Having visible breasts means being "outed" as a trans person; being outed could have some very dangerous consequences, depending on your company. Having visible breasts also makes me feel extremely insecure. It ruins my posture, it kills my mood, it occupies my mind. When I am constantly worried about my breasts, I am not myself.
Misalignment of gender marker on my photo ID and all official documents. Despite the fact that I have made a legal name change, my province's legislation will not allow for me to be listed as a male until I have undergone some form of procedure relating to my transition. This means that I am, again, outing myself on a daily basis; when I pick up packages at the post office, go to the liquor store, enter a club, or do anything that requires me to present photo ID. This, once again, creates the opportunity for discrimination. Let's not forget that traveling requires you to provide photo ID. There are many destinations that are entirely out of the question until I have changed my gender marker, as not all countries are as progressive as Canada (and we've got a long way to go, ourselves)!
Wearing a binder every single day. It is tight, uncomfortable, and sweaty. It also limits my wardrobe to baggy and loose fitting clothing, unless I want everyone to see the places where my binder ends and my flesh oozes out. I've got acne on most of my back, chest, and shoulders - I attribute much of this to the fact that my skin barely ever gets to breathe. I also have rashes and sores where the binder chafes near my underarms. Speaking of breathing, I should mention that it is sometimes difficult to catch my breath when I am binding. In cases when I am particularly uncomfortable with myself, I will wear two binders - deep breathing is not an option, in times like this.
In general, I do not feel at home in my own skin. I face the mirror every day and wish that things were different. I have avoided swimming because I can't stand the thought of a bikini but would never be able to hit the beach in just board shorts. I have dreamed of the day that I will be able to go shirtless with pride; when I will be able to wear whatever tops I like; when I will take countless numbers of selfies because I love what I see; when I will be able to compete in a bodybuilding category that is genuinely meaningful to me; when I will finally be recognized as a male and stop getting called "ma'am" over the phone; when I will be able to travel anywhere in the world and feel safe; and most importantly, I have dreamed of the day that I will feel more like myself (and more happy with myself) than ever before.
My goal is to raise $9,000 to cover the procedure and travel costs. I do not expect to reach this goal, but I am happy to accept all donations, regardless of size, as every bit of help will bring me closer to achieving my dreams.
If you have gotten to this point, I appreciate that you have taken the time to read my story. If you want to know more, I am always here to talk. I am proud of who I am, and I can assure you that I will never stop my efforts to open the minds of those around me.
Thanks so much for your kindness and support,
Dane
For those of you who don't know me, my name is Dane - I'm a 24 year old FTM trans man living in St. John's, NL. I have set up this page in hopes that it will help me to pay for my upcoming gender confirmation surgery, which will involve the removal of my breasts and masculinization of my chest. I have planned to complete this procedure at the McLean Clinic in Mississauga, ON., and the cost of the surgery, alone, is $7910. As you might be able to guess, I don't have that kind of money floating around. On top of this cost, I will have to pay for travel and all related expenses, and I will also be sacrificing my regular income while I am off work for surgery and recovery.
So, what's the big deal about my breasts, anyway? Why do they have to go? Here are a few of the issues that they present:
Body dysphoria, and the constant, nagging fear that someone may notice my carefully concealed breasts. I spend a long time in front of the mirror, making sure things are just right, checking my chest from every angle, and switching outfits to ensure that I feel comfortable. Having visible breasts means being "outed" as a trans person; being outed could have some very dangerous consequences, depending on your company. Having visible breasts also makes me feel extremely insecure. It ruins my posture, it kills my mood, it occupies my mind. When I am constantly worried about my breasts, I am not myself.
Misalignment of gender marker on my photo ID and all official documents. Despite the fact that I have made a legal name change, my province's legislation will not allow for me to be listed as a male until I have undergone some form of procedure relating to my transition. This means that I am, again, outing myself on a daily basis; when I pick up packages at the post office, go to the liquor store, enter a club, or do anything that requires me to present photo ID. This, once again, creates the opportunity for discrimination. Let's not forget that traveling requires you to provide photo ID. There are many destinations that are entirely out of the question until I have changed my gender marker, as not all countries are as progressive as Canada (and we've got a long way to go, ourselves)!
Wearing a binder every single day. It is tight, uncomfortable, and sweaty. It also limits my wardrobe to baggy and loose fitting clothing, unless I want everyone to see the places where my binder ends and my flesh oozes out. I've got acne on most of my back, chest, and shoulders - I attribute much of this to the fact that my skin barely ever gets to breathe. I also have rashes and sores where the binder chafes near my underarms. Speaking of breathing, I should mention that it is sometimes difficult to catch my breath when I am binding. In cases when I am particularly uncomfortable with myself, I will wear two binders - deep breathing is not an option, in times like this.
In general, I do not feel at home in my own skin. I face the mirror every day and wish that things were different. I have avoided swimming because I can't stand the thought of a bikini but would never be able to hit the beach in just board shorts. I have dreamed of the day that I will be able to go shirtless with pride; when I will be able to wear whatever tops I like; when I will take countless numbers of selfies because I love what I see; when I will be able to compete in a bodybuilding category that is genuinely meaningful to me; when I will finally be recognized as a male and stop getting called "ma'am" over the phone; when I will be able to travel anywhere in the world and feel safe; and most importantly, I have dreamed of the day that I will feel more like myself (and more happy with myself) than ever before.
My goal is to raise $9,000 to cover the procedure and travel costs. I do not expect to reach this goal, but I am happy to accept all donations, regardless of size, as every bit of help will bring me closer to achieving my dreams.
If you have gotten to this point, I appreciate that you have taken the time to read my story. If you want to know more, I am always here to talk. I am proud of who I am, and I can assure you that I will never stop my efforts to open the minds of those around me.
Thanks so much for your kindness and support,
Dane
Organizer
Dane Woodland
Organizer
St. John's, NL