Gender-affirming medical care

This summer, I'm turning 40. I have spent most of that time trying to find a way to manage the discrepancy between my brain and my body - I have gender dysphoria and it's not going to go away!..

Recently I finally admitted to myself that I spend about 80% of my time, energy and resources on basically not having a breakdown caused by how my body mismatches who I am. I manage to work full-time, have friends and hobbies - but last year, I became a parent, and I realised that I want to use my energy to be the best parent I can be, and NOT on managing what is essentially a medical condition that can be significantly improved if I have access to the medical treatment.

I spent 5 years on the waiting list for the Gender Identity Clinic. This January, I finally saw them for the very first time - only to find out that (1) there was another waiting list of a year to see a gender specialist and obtain a formal diagnosis, and (2) after that, the waiting list for the top surgery was another 2 years.

I'm almost 40. Waiting another 3 years for the treatment, after I've already waited 5 years for the first visit, seems cruel. So, I am fundraising money so I can access medical care within 12 months, rather than within 3 years.

I know there are, ultimately, more urgent cases to donate to. And I know that very few people I know have too much money. I do not expect anyone to donate, unless they really want to and are able to. This is a big deal for me, and it’s also very important to me to have honest, open communication channels – so, any questions, ask away!