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AJ's Gender Affirming Fund

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I’m AJ, a Black non-binary 23 year old. I am a poet, an artist, and an academic researcher. I am also the founder of BEAT FOR THE GXDS (IG: @beatforthegxds), a makeup and creative space for Black non-binary people to thrive in, and that nurtures our individual and collective safety. 

With an unprecedented amount of help, I was able to begin hormones in July 2020. This has unquestionably helped me begin to feel way more comfortable in my body. Now top surgery is the next step for me in this journey. 

My chest is particularly prominent which often means I’m misgendered in public, and vulnerable to abuse. This has increasingly become the case since being on testosterone (T). I have to wear a binder every day at work in order to minimise this risk. However binding whilst working a job that is physically demanding, involves a lot of lifting and has long hours is dangerous. My back, my shoulders, my body, my chest needs a break.

Accessing gender affirming services through the NHS is extraordinarily difficult, with waiting times being over 4 years long. For my mental health, physical health, and happiness I’m hoping that I can get top surgery sooner by going through private means. Unfortunately private healthcare is very expensive, and top surgery is even more expensive for bigger people like myself, which is where this GoFundMe comes in. I’m really hoping that with your help, I will be able to have top surgery by this summer and feel more comfortable in my body.

I have battled with dysphoria, depression and anxiety, transphobic abuse, unhealthy relationships with food, and queerphobic family for several years as a result of not having the agency and access to love myself how I need to be loved, and to authentically exist. I am finally choosing myself. I’m allowed to be happy. I’m allowed to breathe. But I need your help to help me choose me.

I’ve included an updated breakdown of what this fund has already covered, and what it will cost for me to get top surgery and other gender affirming services:

- £250 for initial hormones consultation (PAID)
- £135 for referral letter to the gender clinic for hormones (PAID)
- £17 to change driving license (PAID)
- £300 for gender clinic hormones consultation and physical assessment (PAID)
- £84 for two lots of private prescriptions of testosterone gel (PAID)
- £600 for follow up hormones consultations (PAID 1 out 4)
(each cost £150 and happen twice a year for 2 years)
- £250 for initial top surgery consultation (PAID)
- £10,500 for top surgery procedure
- £75.50 + postage to change passport
- £100 for travel expenses

I would really appreciate any help that you could give towards my goal. If you read this far then thank you for taking the time. If you want to follow my progress I will be talking a bit more about my experiences on my Instagram: @non_binoiry

Thank you again!

All my love,

AJ

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Donations 

  • Ange Kemp
    • £50 
    • 2 yrs
  • Charlotte Sullivan
    • £20 
    • 2 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • £20 
    • 2 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • £20 
    • 2 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • £50 
    • 2 yrs
Donate

Organizer

AJ Essien
Organizer

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