Non-binary person launches online campaign to crowdfund breast removal surgery

Non-binary or genderqueer people don't identify within the traditional male/ female gender binary and can identify as no gender at all, or a mix of genders

Ellis set up the fundraising page after growing increasingly distressed at their gender dysphoria and following long NHS waiting list delays (GoFundMe)

A genderqueer person has set up an online fundraising page calling for donations towards surgery to remove their breasts.

Ellis, 26, from South East London doesn’t identify as male or female by as non-binary and uses ‘they’ pronouns. They have set up an online fundraising page to call for donations towards the cost of a double mastectomy and chest reconstructive surgery.

In a message on the fundraising page, they explain: “I am Ellis. My gender expression wildly varies but my gender dysphoria stays the same. I go by they/ them pronouns. Since I hit puberty I have been saying the same thing. For ten years I’ve been called mad. For two years I’ve been called a sissy little queer. This year I want to look in the mirror and relate to what I see.”

They say they initially tried to secure the procedure through the NHS but were disappointed at the lengthy process involved after being told they would have to wait 13 months just for an initial assessment appointment.

Ellis said: “I needed to a way to raise money quickly and the fundraising website GoFundMe.com allowed me to create a platform to organise the campaign and get the support I need. It’s been a long journey emotionally and financially and I just can’t wait any longer. I need to move forward so any assistance is gratefully appreciated at this time.”

The campaign page has received more than £2,000 donations of the £6,000 target. One well-wisher who left a donation added: “You are excellent and like a cat wizard and I hope this all comes to fruition.” Another wrote: “Good luck, stay powerful.”

Non-binary people are people who have trans identities beyond the traditional gender binary of male or female. Some feel they have no gender at all, while others feel their gender is fluid and can fluctuate throughout the day depending on the environment or circumstances they are in.

In the UK, the number of people accessing gender identity related healthcare has increased in recent years. Some campaigners have raised concerns that waiting lists for treatment are too long and do not reflect the urgency and intense distress which many people experiencing gender dysphoria can feel.