I'm a non-binary 21 year old artist based in Glasgow.

I have been saving for top surgery since I began identifying as non-binary 2 years ago. Unfortunately due to precarious housing situations and a family bereavement I ended up having to use those savings.

As an artist I've been working on developing projects focused on working class community care and protest. I've also been working on setting up a tattoo studio professionally. @Tatt4Titt is a pay what you can donation for stick and poke tattoos which all goes towards my top surgery fund.

Luckily, my family are supportive but aren't able to fund this. Currently I'm relying on universal credit, but have been struggling. I've been independent working and studying since I was 16. I attended the Glasgow School of Art for three years before taking a year out due to passive transphobia I experienced while studying and the loss of my father.

Though I am not a binary trans man, I still experience body dsymorphia as a non-binary person. I would like to feel more comfortable and at peace in my body and in my presentation. Receiving public healthcare is difficult as a trans person with the transition process through the NHS taking 3-4 years.

The 2004 Gender Recognition Act fails to recognise non-binary people. Due to the 2020 Gender Recognition Act not being passed so it could be more accessible to legally self identify as a non-binary person, its affected my and any non-binary person's ability to access public trans healthcare. It is mandatory to obtain a 2004 Gender Recognition Certificate to receive surgery with the NHS. Obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate entails being: diagnosed with gender dysphoria, having 'Real Life Experience' living as a non-binary person for 2 years - which is difficult to prove, and a change of name. So, it is currently unlikely on the NHS I would be considered to be put on the waiting list for top surgery.

Using this fund I hope I will be able to afford to cover the costs of getting top surgery including consultations, surgery referrals, travel, cost of board, surgery and recovery in the UK. The usual estimate for the cost of surgery is £6,000 to £8,000 with private health care. By going through private clinics with the aid of your donations I would hopefully be able to receive this surgery in 2021. Any contributions to my cause would be gratefully appreciated.