Diana King Raising Money For Top Surgery In Keeping With Them Being Non-Binary
Jamaican singer Diana King’s announcement that they have established a GoFundMe campaign to help finance top surgery, to remove their breast tissue, in keeping with them being “genderless”, has been met with mixed reactions by their fans.
King’s fundraiser, which was launched last week Friday, is titled: “I need to get something off my chest.” It’s seeking to raise US$18,000, and so far, up to Tuesday afternoon, had raised US$ 2,850 contributed by 13 donors.
On Monday, King, 51, stated that they wished they had been able to donate their unwanted breasts to their best friend, who had to have a double mastectomy, lamenting the fact that they, “a queer, nonbinary human” would soon undergo top surgery to remove their breasts that are “healthy”.
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In another post, King noted that they had intended to pay for their surgery on their own, but was unable to do so at present, and as such, was seeking public financial support in the interim.
“It was my intention to do this on my own and it still is, the future is unpredictable. but since it isn’t possible at this time I am learning to accept that it is ok to ask for help when u need it without shame,” they noted, adding that: “my wife, my son and friends who r family r in full support and that’s priceless”.
“Contribute whatever is affordable for u. No amount is too small. This is both life-saving and life-changing. this also feels historic. My deepest gratitude to u for your time, understanding, respect & support. muchluv ♥️ i will never forget your kindness ~ king 👑,” they noted.
Several fans expressed support and said that they had made small contributions, but fans like ar_ryder expressed discomfiture with King’s decision.
“Please reconsider your decision – your body is perfect and a gift from the Lord,” she wrote.
“Omg really??? You’re gonna cut yours off??. Why??. Omg plz don’t 😢😢. I love my breasts I wouldn’t dear dweet. My breasts are what turns me on. Ohh sweet Diana plz don’t. What if u dweet and then u realize that u made a mistake?. I love u plz don’t cut them off plz I beg of u plz,” luvmdesumbooboo said.
A few other also questioned why the Shy Guy singer was seeking donations to finance cosmetic surgery, and suggested that they find other ways of paying for it.
“Why would you do a go fun me for cosmetic surgery? I did cosmetic surgery and I work and save my money. Do a little Uber/Lyft or even door dash to make that extra cash,” caroleblackbarbie said.
In their Gofundme description, King identified as a Jamaican-born singer/songwriter from Spanish Town and was also an American citizen. They noted that as an “extremely private person” they had swallowed their pride to make themselves vulnerable and ask for help.
“I originally came out in 2012 as lesbian, becoming the first from my country to publicly do so. A few years ago, I came out again to myself, as non-binary “multi-spirit”- feminine, masculine, everything in between or just spirit. Genderless,” they wrote.
According to the Love Triangle artist, they had been thinking about the issue for decades, but had suppressed it.
“After coming out I felt freed & became more open to knowing myself on a deeper level. I wanted to kno why I was so uncomfortable in my body, why I didn’t quite fit with ‘lesbian’ & slowly I started to regain memories I had blocked. I started to research and found others who were like me. So in 2017 I decided to do top surgery,” they explained.
They also said that the pandemic had stymied their plans and impacted the money they had saved up for the surgery.
“It’s an expensive surgery but I was working and saving. I had it all planned. That’s until the pandemic hit. I have not performed since and so, I had to focus on keeping my family afloat with the funds I had. Now, I am unable to afford top surgery on my own so I need your help. I do my best but the struggle with dysphoria is especially debilitating. If u kno u know,” they said.
“This is not the time for me to explain myself to those who may not understand. I will b 52 years old in November and the fact is, it’s never too late to choose to start living your best self and authentic life. time is not promised,” they said.
They added: “My wife, my son and friends who r family r in full support of my decision and that’s priceless. many r rejected daily by loved ones. Contribute whatever is affordable for u. No amount is too small. This is both life saving and life changing. This also feels historic.”
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