I am a working class transman living in Bangalore since 2018. Currently, I am on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and in urgent need of some surgeries as I am experiencing health problems because of the medication. Lack of family support and savings, and a lucrative job prevents me from getting the needed surgeries.

I left my family years ago because they didn’t approve of my identity and my relationship. With no support from the family, I came here to Bangalore to work, with my partner. It has been quite difficult for us to manage with my meagre income and rising health concerns. The binder that I wear makes me breathless and suffocated. If I continue like this without operation, I am at risk of having cancer and heart and kidney problems in future.

As a person who hasn’t come out yet, I cannot share the physical or mental issues I face with anyone else. It’s quite hard when I go to temples and they ask me to take my shirt off. I constantly worry about meeting with an accident and the hospital scrutinising my body. This makes me feel like I do not have the strength it takes to face this world. The operation will give me the courage to face the world, and to protect myself and my partner.

I need to undergo mastectomy (breast removal), hysterectomy (uterus removal), and oophorectomy (ovaries removal) to ensure that the HRT medication doesn’t interfere with my metabolism or bodily functions. If you support me, I will be able to live a healthy and happy life, like everyone else, as I envisioned it to be.

I need your support, please donate, contribute and share.