Due to a lack of medical support for trans people in Ireland, Noah Halpin was forced to travel abroad for his top surgery. He details a journey abroad that many in the community are unaware trans people have to undergo, and describes the emotional and physical impact involved.

Noah Halpin

They say that 'Sometimes the hardest things in life are the things most worth doing'. don't know who ‘they’ are, but in many ways, they're right. never decided to be transgender, however, did decide to transition. It was and continues to be the hardest thing that have ever done in my life, but also the best thing have ever done for myself. The biggest act of self love.

Although the best thing have ever done for myself, the journey has been and continues to be hard. Throughout this piece, want to be brutally honest. Most people only speak about the joys of the end result, want to talk about the nitty gritty. The things that not many people will tell you.

My four year fight to obtain hormone treatment (HRT) was difficult, exhausting, and, for the most part, infuriating. I’ve been on testosterone for over a year now and although so much happier, not yet 'complete'. After binding my chest for five years, it brought pain, spinal problems and laboured breathing, but worst of all, a constant consciousness of these two large intruders that sat on my chest.

As my appearance began to change through HRT, only became more conscious of them. If danced in a club, my hands would always find their way to my chest to cover what thought was obvious. The type of clothing wore changed in an attempt to mask it. began binding tighter. It began to affect me more and more socially, sexually, mentally and physically. Something had to be done.