Raising fund for Gwen's Gender Surgery

Kia Ora, my name is Gwen (or as my friends call me Transgwenda). I’m a 33-year-old transgender woman from Wellington. I’ve been living authentically for four years and work as a registered mental health nurse, mainly with youth. I feel privileged to be a supportive figure for younger queer folks.

However, I have my own struggle with chronic gender dysphoria, which causes me deep grief. I know that gender-affirming surgery (GRS- Also known as “Bottom surgery”) will give me the peace and confidence I need to feel at home in my skin. I’ve chosen the Suporn Clinic in Thailand, which offers exceptional care and techniques not available in New Zealand, where the waitlist for surgeries is decades long.

I initially thought I could use my KiwiSaver for the surgery, but that’s not possible. I’m now saving every cent I can and asking for help to reach my goal of NZD 33,000 to NZD 35,000 for the surgery, travel, accommodation, living expenses, and unexpected costs. I am setting an open goal as anything will help me reach my goal.

Crowdfunding feels a bit uncomfortable since I’m no more or less deserving than any other trans person, and I want to ensure my supporters get something meaningful in return. I plan to sell pride-themed T-shirts and binders for transmasculine individuals once I have the designs ready.