2025 Annual Trans Surgery Fund: Recipients Awarded $565,000

Congratulations to this year’s recipients!

Together, 25 recipients have been awarded a total of $565,000 in financial assistance towards their gender-affirming surgeries. With this funding, each of them has the resources to afford their respective surgical expenses and receive the care they so urgently need.

At a glance:

• 2 in 3 recipients are people of color.
• More than half of recipients are living with a disability or chronic illness.
• More than half of recipients are living in high-risk states for anti-trans legislation.
• 86% of recipients lack inclusive health insurance coverage.
• 20% of recipients are currently dealing with housing insecurity. 65% have in the past.
• 80% of recipients have dealt with discrimination from a healthcare provider, either now or in the past.
• 64% have dealt with discrimination from an employer, either now or in the past.
• 40% of recipients are the primary caregiver for a child, elder, parent, and/or partner.
• Trans femmes accounted for 40% of recipients but received two-thirds of available funding.

This cycle, we received 1,893 applications. Our grants are designed to cover as much of a recipient’s healthcare costs as possible, often funding 70-97% of their total expenses. To fund every applicant’s requested procedure, it would take more than $50 million—far beyond our current resources.

With so many applicants, the selection process is incredibly competitive and difficult. Every person deserves access to necessary healthcare, and choosing recipients is made even more challenging by the ongoing political and legislative attacks against the trans community.

"Equity is a core principle in our grantmaking process, which is already extremely difficult given the overwhelming need. Everyone deserves access to healthcare," explains Tyler Rodriguez, Director of Programs. "This cycle, our applicant pool made it clear just how much more likely trans women and femmes are to face significant systemic challenges—like being denied insurance coverage or experiencing discrimination when seeking care. The surgeries they need, such as facial feminization surgery (FFS) and bottom surgery, are also among the most expensive procedures in our community."

"The reality is that financial assistance is just one part of the puzzle," says Abby, Care Coordinator. "Trans people are navigating overwhelming challenges in healthcare right now—from insurance denials to outright discrimination in medical settings to a lack of competent providers in their area. At Point of Pride, we don’t just fund surgeries; we work one-on-one to make sure our recipients feel seen, supported, and empowered as they navigate this journey."

Meet the first announced recipients of the 2025 cohort! Stay tuned as we share more of their stories leading up to Trans Day of Visibility on March 31.