Gabriel's Top Surgery and Recovery fund

Hi! I'm Gabriel (he/him) I'm a trans man raising money for my top surgery and recovery. Top surgery for me and many other trans people is a gender affirming and therefore life saving procedure.

I experience gender dysphoria and combat this daily by binding. Whilst chest binding alleviates some of my dysphoria during the day it's not a long-term solution, it restricts my breathing and the prolonged use of binding tape has scarred and blistered my skin. I long to be able to comfortably look at my bare chest in the mirror, swim with my friends, wear whatever I want, and not just put up with my body, but love it.

My surgery date has been confirmed for the 24th of November! At this point between what has been raised and what I've managed to save I have enough for my surgery! Thank you to all those who donated and shared. What I do still need to raise money for is my recovery as well as the sessions for my GD assessment/ WPATH assessment.

In Australia, a requirement for people wanting top surgery is a GD assessment (Gender Dysphoria Assessment). This basically 'proves' that you're trans and need the surgery. Ridiculous considering most other elective surgeries don't require this kind of psychological assessment. Generally, two to three appointments are required and this will cost $230 per session- approx $690.

Recovery time after top surgery differs for everyone, however generally people fully recover after 6 weeks. During recovery, you have limited mobility of your arms, nothing more than a slow walk is recommended. I am currently in discussion with my work place about the leave I'll be eligible for, as it stands I have no sick leave left and they don't offer leave for Gender Affirming procedures. For my recovery costs:

I've included a month's Rent- $754, Groceries- $240 and bills: Internet- $26.33, Water approx- $21 Electricity approx- $64 = $1105.33

I'm also saving up and will be contributing to my fund too, any excess money raised will be going to Black Rainbow. Black Rainbow is a national volunteer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social enterprise in the pursuit of positive health and well-being for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, Sistergirl and Brotherboys (LGBQTIA+SB).

Check out Black Rainbow here

I know it's a tough time financially for just about everyone and so I am so grateful for even the smallest of donations. Thanks for helping me get this weight off my chest, it means the world to me.

Gabriel