Hi everyone, for those who don't know me, my name is Spencer! I go by phortie on the internet, and I love drawing, trying to code, and gaming. This story is kind of a part 2 to this situation that started in mid 2024. I’ll try to keep it short but I think with these types of topics, that becomes impossible.
I started to "officially" transition in 2024, by that I mean, I was in a good enough place where I felt comfortable to apply for the wait list for transgender support in my country Australia. The estimated wait time was 2 years, and while waiting for it, my life went topsy turvy. I was kicked out of my home, skimming homelessness again. (and luckily I found myself crashing on a strangers couch who is now my girlfriend Jack!)
I originally did save up a big portion of the money required for surgery, but this huge uproot drained my account. I had to pay a family member to help move my stuff, and then a storage unit to store it in, and pay Jack back for financially supporting me a lot, especially feeding me. (Thumbs up for Jack who also encouraged me to post this.)
In addition to top surgery, I am dealing with other medical challenges that demand my financial resources. I'm lucky that health care in Australia is decent, so I won't die waiting to be seen by a doctor, or turned away for having no money. But on the other side of the coin, the government does not care about my mental health, nor for many disabilities like autism.
So the government assistance in Australia has been another hurdle, as the process of assisted payments first requires a $2600-$4000 diagnosis. (People who don't earn money, must pay to prove they can’t earn money! Obviously!!) This process has officially begun, and I have paid about half of it already, and is where my current savings is going. All these diagnoses are something that I should have done when I was a child, but in short, my family life sucks, and my parents failed me. (Oh well)
I know this is all a bummer, and I'm just spouting out some big numbers, but this money will change my life. Once I get the correct payments and have a flat chest, god, maybe it will just cure my depression lol (I’ll be a heap happier at least) It's hard but it's a reachable goal if I keep trying.
Lastly, I want to assure you that I am not opening emergency commissions, at least not yet. I'm not starving, and I can still pay my rent on time. If things change, I will blast the "emergency comms" button everywhere.
Every dollar earned from my art is dedicated to this, and I am eternally grateful for any support, whether through commissions, tips, donations or simply offering words of encouragement, means the world to me.
Thanks to everyone who read my novel of a backstory. I hope you still support me through this trying time.
======Donations go towards this======
Top Surgery $20,000 (estimated) (Minimum $16,000)
Top Surgery Follow ups $2000-$4000 (estimated)
======Paying for myself======
HRT $40 a month
Other Medications $70 a month
AuDHD Assessment $1700
AuDHD Review 1 $800
AuDHD Review 2 $800