Hi, I identify as non-binary transgender and use they/them pronouns. I was assigned female at birth, and have been struggling with chest dysphoria and wearing binders for around 5 years now. Binders temporarily flatten my chest significantly, but due to my large chest size doesn't fully flatten and isn't something i'm able to do super regularly due to ensuing back pain.

I currently work part-time as a barista (after being unemployed for 5 months until very recently), and do freelance photography on the side, but am unable to work full time due to chronic illness (i'm 'in recovery' from M.E./Chronic fatigue syndrome, and struggle with depression and anxiety, as I have done for many years now), so saving large amounts of money that is required for top surgery is obviously massively difficult despite trying to live frugally. For the past 2 years or so I've also been working on a self-funded project documenting people who identify as non-binary , to try and increase the representation of our community through photography, and have more recently begun organising monthly meet ups for people who identify in Brighton where I currently live.

Going through the NHS for this surgery is not possible for me at this point - the waiting lists for gender identity clinics alone are overwhelming, let alone surgery waiting times. It could be years and years if I don't go privately - and I can't face that wait. I need this surgery as soon as possible, and honestly believe it will have a hugely positive effect on my life, alleviating a lot of my physical & social dysphoria which in turn accentuates anxiety I regularly feel about leaving the house. Its not a cure-all. I'm fully aware of that. But this surgery nevertheless will be life changing for me and really is a necessity.

I have booked consultations at Gender Care, London, which I am paying for with my own savings. The first of which I've paid for in full and will be on the 18th of April. I will update this page as and when I make progress towards seeing a surgeon and getting a surgery date.

Any donation/support is massively appreciated, whether thats chipping in a few quid or sharing this page with your friends on facebook etc!

If you have any questions or would like to get in contact, please email me at jacksonakitt@icloud.com.

A self-portrait wearing my binder back home the village I grew up in, in Cumbria with my mum.