Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I'm fundraising in aid of Mermaids.

What is happening?

2024 is turning into a nightmare year for trans people. We are seeing a continuing increase in negative narrative aimed a trans people in politics and the news, as well as actual negative changes to legal protections and medical processes.

The lives of trans young people have been particularly affected by this, as the opportunities for them to live their lives as their true selves become more difficult to navigate, and the ripple effect of anti-trans propaganda falls on them causing discrimination and mental health issues. There have been changes to the way trans identities are allowed to be talked about in schools and the way trans young people are treated when they discuss their gender identities with members of staff. The UK government have also recently banned new prescriptions of puberty blockers for trans young people, an action which will be having very dangerous repercussions on the mental health of those children, and potentially driving them and/or their families towards alternative and unmoderated methods of obtaining medication.

Trans kids need help now more than ever.

What is Mermaids?

The charity Mermaids directly supports trans young people in many aspects of their lives, empowering them with safe spaces such as secure online communities, local community groups, helpline services, web resources, events and residential weekends. Mermaids also seeks to educate and inform wider society on gender identity by helping professionals accommodate and reassure gender-diverse young people. Please read more about the incredibly valuable work Mermaids does by visiting https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/about-us/

My experience

The only regret I have about my own experience as a trans woman is that it took 34 years before I started transitioning. I missed so many vital years of my life when I could have been living 100% more authentically, 100% more comfortably, and 100% more happily. Part of the reason for my relatively late transition was a lack of awareness and understanding of trans identities. Part of the reason was fear. Part of the reason was a lack of resources or a social system for transitioning as a young person at the time. If a charity like Mermaids had existed when I was a child, I would have had a significantly better chance of not missing all those years living as my true self.

The event!

With that in mind, I'm so excited to have an opportunity to support Mermaids, and through them support my younger trans siblings.

I am setting myself the challenge of performing a 12 hour 'GoldHill Disco' DJ marathon from 10:00 to 22:00 on Sunday 23rd June 2024, when I will play non-stop party music via Mixcloud. Anyone will be able to watch/listen to the livestream and interact via the Mixcloud chat at any time during the event via my usual GoldHill Disco link: https://www.mixcloud.com/live/branwenmunn.

Local friends will also be welcome to come along to our house at any point during the marathon to join in the fun, dance along with me in the studio, keep me on my feet, and of course (hopefully!) donate in person.

How you can help

Donations of any amount (every little helps!) can be made via this JustGiving page or to me in person at any time in the lead up to the livestream, during the livestream itself, or at any time after the event through to the end of June 2024. At that point, I'll pay any 'in person' donations directly into this JustGiving page and announce the total raised.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you SO MUCH for your support!

Branwen x