Donation protected
Hello, my name is Naomi Erin and I’m one half of a transgendered couple living in this septic isle called the United Kingdom, one of the most bigoted and hateful countries in the world when it comes to tolerance and acceptance of Trans Rights.
It’s hard to write about stuff that affects us on a daily basis. I try to be open about who I am, but in the UK, “Transphobia” is a terrifying reality, one of which many of us in the community, have to face each day we open the door. When I started this campaign nearly 18 months ago, I didn’t hold out much hope that it would get the attention, let alone the support it needed to change my husband and my life for the better and to be quite honest, I still don’t! There are a lot of factors that stand against us when it comes to raising money for surgeries, but the one that stands against us the most is the reality that I cannot work to help towards the much needed surgical procedures. I personally suffer from mental health issues, independent from being Transgender. I was born with Organic Psychosis and as a result, find it very hard to adapt to societal demands. I was signed off work permanently in 2016 and my husband, bless him, is now registered as my personal carer.
In addition to my mental health, I have been hospitalised three times as a result of both physical and emotional violence, all because of who I am, how I present and how I sound. This is the cycle of violence faced by the Trans community each and every day and unfortunately for a lot of us, unavoidable with medical intervention.
Luckily there are some things that can be done to help people like my husband and I. It involves voice coaching, breast augmentation and removal (for him), facial hair removal, facial feminisation surgery (FFS), hair transplants, reassignment surgeries, therapy (yes it really is needed) and various other procedures. Thankfully a few of these are possible through NHS England but most of it is not. Would you believe surgeries that are considered lifesaving to the Trans community are still considered “Just Cosmetic”? If it prevents senseless violence or worse, murder, how can anyone justify it as simply cosmetic? Here is a simple breakdown of the costs just for me and why we need your help to raise the money.
Facial Feminisation: £30,000 approximately (this will drastically help reduce the anxiety I face in public spaces).
Breast Augmentation: £4000-5000
Hair Transplant: £3000 - £8000 (so fed up wearing wigs all the time).
Hair Removal/ Electrolysis: £3120 Per Year until complete.
Travel to and from Appointments: £3000
It all adds up to just shy of £50,000 and yet we have set our goal to £30,000 because it is so embarrassing asking for the total costs. It’s hard enough reaching a “Thousand” pounds, let alone “Fifty”.
So this is why we created this fundraiser, not to belittle ourselves before society but rather ask you guys, to show some kindness and help us raise the money we need to balance our lives and calm our minds. By helping us to bridge the gaps left wide open by the NHS, you would be drastically helping to improve our quality of life.
We are not expecting miracles here but a £2 or £5 (or more if you can) donation won’t break the bank, and if enough people would take the time to help out, we could actually reach our target in no time at all.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering supporting us. We truly are, forever grateful.
Naomi and Callen x
