Personal message

I'm Wes, a 25-year-old trans guy. 

I'm an illustrator and designer based in Cape Town, and I'm reaching out to you kind humans to ask for a bit of help with something important to me - life changing gender-affirming top surgery. 

When I began my transition in 2018, I wanted to be someone that others could turn to when they didnt know what steps to take. I shared various aspects of my transition, as well as facts, information and opinions on and about the trans journey - all of which allowed me to learn from others as they learnt from me. I felt it especially important to do this in South Africa, as there wasn't much publicly available information, or representation, at the time.

This led to much public attention and several opportunities, such as speaking on trans inclusivity at a UN menstrual hygiene symposium hosted as well as speaking on various other panels and discussions. Eventually, I decided to combine this activism with my love of illustration, which has also resulted in some  wonderful opportunities, including a series of illustrations promoting trans awareness for GoDaddy. 

Nonetheless, something was always missing. 

This surgery has been on my mind for a while now, and is feeling more and more necessary day by day. 

Mainly, I just want to feel good in my own skin, which currently I don't totally - physically. This feeling of unease also flows over into other, more practical aspects of my daily life. There are too many to count, but here are some of the main ones.

• I love going to the beach and swimming, but there's always this underlying worry about taking my shirt off. Top surgery would take away that stress and let me swim in the ocean without any worries about stares or feeling uncomfortable. 

• Having recently found a love for the gym, and prioritizing health,  I find myself in a tricky position as I'm unable to use either of the changerooms for the fear of discrimination which in turn  means that I can't even use the toilet while I'm training there. Having this surgery would allow me to train, swim and comfortably use the bathrooms and change rooms at the gym. 

• Having this extra weight on my chest impacts even the smallest aspects of my day to day. For example, I hunch my shoulders to hide my chest in public, so I don't get misgendered - and can avoid discrimination, and potential violence.

• I also struggle to find clothing to wear that doesn't make me feel uncomfortable and exposed. 

Therefore, this surgery would mean the world to me and it would change my quality of life, drastically,  for the better. 

 

The only problem is that this kind of surgery is suuuuper expensive and medical aids do not cover the costs of gender affirming health care. It is seen as a “cosmetic”.

 

That's why I'm turning to you guys for some help to make it happen and finally feel like myself, inside and out.

Your support in my journey would mean the world to me.

Thanks a ton, Wes.

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