Lasharn's Top Surgery

Hello!

My name is Lasharn. I am 19 years old trans man, and my pronouns are he/him.

My friends and I are raising funds to support my gender-affirming top surgery and care scheduled for December 2022.

I started this journey about five years ago, realising I have felt increasingly uncomfortable with my chest since my early teens. This has had a negative effect on my confidence and mental well-being.

Since researching surgery options aged 16, I have been saving up in the hope that I would be able to fund this on my own. I have worked seven days a week for the past 18 months - five days as a nursery apprentice and two days in a coffee shop. When I've had time off, I have used this to volunteer for Tower Hamlets-based community arts charity Stitches in Time, working with local children and young people facing disadvantage.

I have been living independently away from my family, supporting myself financially since age 17. The past few years have been incredibly difficult - even though I work seven days a week, I am still struggling to save enough to make this surgery possible in the foreseeable future, and this impact is extremely depressing.

Due to the long waiting times in the UK, exacerbated by COVID, I have decided to get this done privately in Turkey.

I am thrilled that by going abroad, I can do it sooner. The total amount I need to raise is £1500.

I understand many important causes in the world need support; many people are struggling financially, and some might not see my cause as a priority. Therefore reaching out in this way is not taken lightly.

This is a personal cause and is fundamental to my mental and emotional health and well-being. Even donating the equivalent of buying a pint would be fantastic!

I humbly thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, with love, Lasharn.

I also plan to hold a few events to help me raise this money, and would love to invite you to these.