Hi there! I’m Quill, a transgender man from England and I’ve been out and proud since 2021. UK waiting times for a surgery consultation alone are 4-5 years on average. I’m 28 this year and I have yet to be referred to a GIC, so I would be 33+ before I even get a chance to talk about surgery at a consultation. Then there would be a further waiting time until an assigned surgery date.

Like many other trans people out there, I can’t wait that long. My mental health and general happiness suffers every day that I have to wear a binder (not to mention I have chronic asthma so binding isn’t ideal). I am uncomfortable with how clothes fit, with how I feel inside not matching the outside, with the reality of having a size DD chest as a man. It hurts so much. I’m planning on getting married in a few years and I want to be able to do that with a body that feels like my own.

Taking matters into my own hands and pursuing private care is the only option I see going forward, and this costs on average between £5,000 - £8,000. I’m lucky enough to be financially stable along with my partner but combined we don‘t make enough to cover those kinds of costs, and saving would take as long as the waiting times.

I'll keep my JustGiving page and my Tumblr (@edandstede) updated as I go forwards with consultations, finding a surgeon, gender dysphoria referrals and all that jazz! I currently have an appointment to get my dysphoria diagnosis and we will be going from there.

Any penny you can share would be enormously appreciated. I understand times are tough for us all and donating might not be an option. I appreciate you regardless!

All my love,

Quill :•) x