Gender-Affirming Surgery for Saerlaith

[Edit: I unfortunately need a revision on this surgery, and am asking for more help if you are able to offer it. Please see update below for more information.]

My name is Saerlaith. I came out when I was nineteen. Eight years later I am still waiting for treatment. Like so many trans people, I have watched as my hopes for surgery have faded away; private treatment is my only option. I have changed careers. I have stopped making art. I work as many hours as I can, all so that I can save for surgery. Without support, I won’t ever reach my goal. The total cost of surgery is £30,000. I have taken out a personal loan and have some savings. Even then, I need to raise £21,000 to be able to pay for surgery. This surgery will change my life. It will mean I can feel safe walking down the street. It will relieve years of stress and discomfort. It will mean I can finally move on with my life. I don’t want to wait any longer. I believe things can be better, and I am allowing myself the vulnerability of asking for your help. Please help me to live the more joyous life that I have been dreaming of. Love, Saerlaith.

About Saerlaith (Kate & Fionn) When I (Kate) think of Saerlaith, I think of her dancing. I’m at one of the first trans events I’ve ever been to, organised by her and the team at TLAS (Trans Live Art Salon). She’s behind the decks, because she’s the DJ, but she catches my eye and waves so slightly that her rhythm isn’t disturbed. It’s the first time someone like me recognises that I’m like them. You probably think of her dancing too, or maybe suddenly singing a song you’ve never heard. You couldn’t remember half the puns she’s made in one conversation, not to mention the odd thousand that litter the history of all your conversations. Saerlaith’s been there as a frankly underappreciated volunteer in organisations like STL (Small Trans Library) and THR (Trans Harm Reduction). She’s worked to improve trans people’s access to the arts in both Ireland and Scotland. Over the years her sincerity and passion have never wavered. We want her to feel as confident and happy in herself as she has made so many of us feel. We want her to get the care she deserves.