Community chest - Gender affirming top surgery
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Hello, I'm Gwyn, or GP as some people call me and my pronouns are he/ they. I am a trans guy living in Brighton. This is my fundraising page for gender affirming top surgery. It would mean a lot to me if you can read my story.
From a young age, I knew I was queer, but identifying as a lesbian never felt like the full truth of who I am. Growing up in a supportive family, but in a community with limited queer representation, I navigated my identity quietly, often feeling out of place. My natural tendencies were more masculine, and being labelled a tomboy always felt uncomfortable, though I didn’t fully understand why. Identifying as a queer woman didn’t invite much ridicule, but it also didn’t align with my true self. For years, this was who I lived as and it was rarely contested although I knew this wasn't the whole story and I was still hiding something from myself. After years of reflection and self-discovery, I’m proud to call myself trans.
However, the journey to fully embody this truth has been challenging to say the least. Extensive NHS waiting times (over five years just for initial consultation) have made it impossible for me to receive timely care. The UK government’s lack of support for trans healthcare has left me with little choice but to seek private medical care, which comes at a significant financial cost. Top surgery is crucial for me to align my body with my true identity. It represents the freedom to live authentically without the constant discomfort and pain of binding, which has already taken a toll on my skin and emotional well-being. I dream of the day I can look down at my body and feel at peace, of swimming without a top on, and of simply existing in my own skin without feeling repulsed or hidden. These simple things might sound trivial to cis-gendered people but they're the difference between a painful life and one of freedom.
Reaching out in this way is incredibly difficult for me as asking for help, both emotionally and financially, has been a significant challenge. However, after nearly two decades of struggling, I can no longer hide who I truly am. Binding serves as a daily reminder that a part of me is still concealed, and it’s exhausting to carry this weight all the time. Top surgery would finally allow me to live comfortably in my body and fully express who I am, free from the constant triggers and challenges that currently weigh me down.
The cost of top surgery is approximately £10,000. This includes initial consultations, post-operative care, and the necessary time off work. I couldn't possibly afford this on my own, which is why I'm turning to my community and beyond to help me reach this amount. Whether through donations or by sharing this page, your help brings me closer to the freedom to express myself fully and embody the person I know I've always been.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
From a young age, I knew I was queer, but identifying as a lesbian never felt like the full truth of who I am. Growing up in a supportive family, but in a community with limited queer representation, I navigated my identity quietly, often feeling out of place. My natural tendencies were more masculine, and being labelled a tomboy always felt uncomfortable, though I didn’t fully understand why. Identifying as a queer woman didn’t invite much ridicule, but it also didn’t align with my true self. For years, this was who I lived as and it was rarely contested although I knew this wasn't the whole story and I was still hiding something from myself. After years of reflection and self-discovery, I’m proud to call myself trans.
However, the journey to fully embody this truth has been challenging to say the least. Extensive NHS waiting times (over five years just for initial consultation) have made it impossible for me to receive timely care. The UK government’s lack of support for trans healthcare has left me with little choice but to seek private medical care, which comes at a significant financial cost. Top surgery is crucial for me to align my body with my true identity. It represents the freedom to live authentically without the constant discomfort and pain of binding, which has already taken a toll on my skin and emotional well-being. I dream of the day I can look down at my body and feel at peace, of swimming without a top on, and of simply existing in my own skin without feeling repulsed or hidden. These simple things might sound trivial to cis-gendered people but they're the difference between a painful life and one of freedom.
Reaching out in this way is incredibly difficult for me as asking for help, both emotionally and financially, has been a significant challenge. However, after nearly two decades of struggling, I can no longer hide who I truly am. Binding serves as a daily reminder that a part of me is still concealed, and it’s exhausting to carry this weight all the time. Top surgery would finally allow me to live comfortably in my body and fully express who I am, free from the constant triggers and challenges that currently weigh me down.
The cost of top surgery is approximately £10,000. This includes initial consultations, post-operative care, and the necessary time off work. I couldn't possibly afford this on my own, which is why I'm turning to my community and beyond to help me reach this amount. Whether through donations or by sharing this page, your help brings me closer to the freedom to express myself fully and embody the person I know I've always been.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
Organizer
Gwyn Patrick
Organizer