I’m getting top surgery to finally feel comfortable in my body
By Anna Harcourt and Baz Macdonald
CW: This story discusses body dysmorphia and mental distress
This story is part of our Naked Week coverage. Find more stories here.
“In my lower moments I’ve just looked in the mirror and cried, or been angry, or tried to rip [at my chest]."
We follow Stevie in the days leading up to their top surgery - a gender-affirming procedure to remove breast tissue. As a non-binary person, ever since puberty they have felt uncomfortable in their body and this top surgery will allow them to overcome the largest contributor to that.
The public health system only performs 10 top surgeries a year, and getting the procedure done privately, like Stevie had to after being unable to join the public waitlist, costs more than $24,000.
Where to get help:
- Gender Minorities Aotearoa: Call 04 385 0611 or email support@genderminorities.com
- OUTLine NZ: Freephone 0800 OUTLINE (0800 688 5463). National service that helps LGBTIQ+ New Zealanders access support, information and a sense of community.
- InsideOut: Call 027 331 4507, or email hello@insideout.org.nz
- Rainbow Youth: Call (09) 376 4155, or email auckland@ry.org.nz
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