Waiting lists for the FIRST Gender Identity Clinic appointment for trans people in the UK is horrendous. I have been on the wait list for my first appointment for 2 years, and they are only just sending out first appointment letters for people referred to them in 2018. This means I have at least another 6 years to go.

Ever since I hit puberty, I knew something didn't feel right. I didn't have the words or knowledge to understand it until I went to university, and ever since then, I knew that I was feeling this discomfort which I now know as dysphoria.

It is at the point where I feel like my life is on hold until I am able to have top surgery. I want to be able to feel the sun on my back at the beach, maybe train to become a firefighter, run a marathon and continue to work at a summer camp each year for trans kids. The one thing holding me back, making me feel uncomfortable and limiting me, is the dysphoria I have.

For top surgery (also known as a Subcutaneous Mastectomy) in the UK, I am going to need to save or raise at least £10k (before adding time off work, certificates etc). I never grew up with extra money to spare. I wish I would have saved sooner, but over the last 4 years there's been a lot going on and last year I lost my mum to illness. One thing I learnt from it all is that I need to do what I need to so I can be happy and live my life the best I can. I hate asking for money, so believe me this is a last resort, but I need this surgery.

As much or as little as you can donate, even share, I am SO incredibly grateful for. I know I am so lucky to be in a position to even consider going private (even with the financial barrier), and I am lucky enough to have a family who accept me for who I am. Thank you.