I am a working class transman living in Bangalore since 2015. I am on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) since four years and now in urgent need of gender affirmation surgery as I am experiencing health problems because of the medication. Lack of family support and savings, or a lucrative job prevents me from getting the needed surgeries.

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 increasing health concerns. The binder that I wear makes me breathless and suffocated. If I continue like this without an operation, I am at risk of developing cancer or having 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. 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 bilateral mastectomy (breast removal), hysterectomy (uterus removal), with bilateral salphingo- 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.