Arden's Top Surgery Fund

Hi, I'm Arden and I am trans masculine. I am currently 22 and have been out for almost three years, despite knowing I was transgender since I was about 15. I have been on testosterone through a private gender clinic for two years this August and believe my next step in my medical transition is top surgery.

Waiting lists for a first appointment at an NHS gender clinic ranges from 2-10 years, depending on which clinic you are referred to. This is just for an initial appointment - no treatment is given at this point and a second appointment is often not for up to a year later. Waiting times to get a double mastectomy through the NHS are 6 years at best and 9-10 years at worst. Therefore I am trying to raise money to get a double mastectomy through private health care as I think it is more likely to raise the money I need faster than the NHS waiting list.

Getting a double mastectomy would help me feel more comfortable in my own body. My chest is currently what gives me the most dysphoria. Whilst binding helps, it does not eliminate my dysphoria as well as causing back and shoulder pain and being all in all uncomfortable. Top surgery would also allow me to feel comfortable enough to swim again - something I have not been able to feel comfortable and confident enough to do in several years now.

Any donation you are able to give would be so appreciated and would help me fund this life changing surgery.