Congrats to the Spring 2023 Electrolysis Support Fund Recipients

Noelle (she/her) is a 24-year-old trans woman from New York City seeking electrolysis treatment. She’s been dealing with immense financial stress and housing insecurity, among other challenges. She’s disabled and immunocompromised and has been living in poverty, consistently trying to scramble to figure things out to survive. Noelle has turned to mutual aid programs and starting a GoFundMe in order to survive, as she's simply unable to afford HRT, laser/wax treatments, and other gender-affirming needs. "I'm excited to not have to worry about constantly shaving and cutting myself or making ingrown hairs in the process," Noelle shares. "I do not want to hide behind a mask. I want to show my face proudly, without dark facial hair poking out and destroying my self-esteem." Noelle describes herself as a kind and patient harm reductionist, fighting and hoping to bring awareness to overdose deaths and the  stigma associated with drugs and people who use drugs. 

Erica (she/they) is a 30-year-old Black trans woman from New Orleans who has been seeking affordable routes for trans affirming care for over three years. After beginning to transition socially in 2020, they experienced difficulty making money as the industry they work in was heavily impacted by COVID-19. Due to a lack of income, they've found it difficult to save the amount of money needed to further pursue care. "Accessing proper gender-affirming healthcare would allow much more room for me to grow," Erica shares. "It will provide me with more safety, relieve me of deep internal distress, and allow for my presentation to represent my very personal gender experience." Erica is a longtime musician, putting out music for over 10-years with several collectives. She's also a writer, illustrator & small business owner. She's a fan of video games, comic books, films, and designer street wear. She's supported by a loving partner of 7 years, a loving network of friends and a strong, close-knit family.

Jasper (she/her) is a 24-year-old trans women seeking hair removal. She struggles to afford healthcare due to cost of medications as well as her job hours being cut. Additionally, Jasper cares for a toddler and a disabled spouse. She's always struggled with self image issues due to hiding who she was for a long time. "This journey is a big step in feeling like my true self," Jasper shares. "I'm eager to look at myself in the mirror, to have the confidence I've always wanted. I deserve to feel comfortable in my own skin." Jasper describes herself as a funny, outgoing person. She works hard everyday to help her family stay afloat.

Junie (she/her) is a 19-year-old trans woman of color seeking electrolysis hair removal. Junie is a full-time student that also works to support herself. Hair removal is a service not covered by Junie's insurance and would have to be paid out of pocket before her surgery date. Junie's health insurance is not very supportive on gender-affirming healthcare, so her past requests for coverage have been rejected or ignored by her insurance company. "Hair removal will affect my life immensely: it will give me confidence, hope, and the ability to have the surgery I need." Junie is an artist and is an aspiring game animator who hopes to start a game studio in the future.

Jordynn (she/her) is a 30-year-old trans woman seeking electrolysis to get rid of her stubborn facial hair. After losing her job during the pandemic, then needing to care for her elderly family members, it has been incredibly tough for her to continue her transition, and meet the goals she hoped to achieve. "By receiving this care, I will be able to more easily pass in day to day life, as well as ease some of the dysphoria I feel daily," Jordynn shares. "The experience of not having scratchy stubble poke through will be absolute bliss." Jordynn describes herself as a kind-hearted woman who aims to help others in her community find their way through the difficult first phases of transition. She aims to be a beacon of hope for other trans folks in her communities.

Nat (she/her) is a 35-year-old Black person and a teacher. Due to limited finances, she has struggled to provide myself with gender-affirming experiences. "As a person with excessive growth in some areas, it doesn’t help me to feel like the woman I want to be. I would like to feel more comfortable with myself and feel more confident as a woman." Nat loves Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead and enjoys baking and crafting as hobbies.

Ellie (she/her) is a 28-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican transgender woman from New York City. Since she has come to terms with her gender and sexuality, she has been ostracized from her family and their care, both financially and emotionally. She has worked extremely hard to stay focused on her transition and stay off of the streets; however, due to the high cost of living in NYC and discriminatory hiring practices, she has found it very difficult to pay for life-affirming care. "This grant will support me as I strive for the greatness I know I can achieve," Ellie shares. "I am excited for what the world has to offer. I am ready to succeed with confidence, instead of allowing my gender dysphoria to keep me inside. I want to feel confident in the sun, not alone in the shadows." Ellie has a degree Film Production, has completed Cosmetology school, and is almost finished with a 9-month intensive graphic design course. She hopes to learn Japanese and travel to Japan someday.

Lorelei (she/her) is a 35-year-old disabled/neurodivergent/Autistic/deaf non-binary trans woman. She's had 3 gender-affirming surgeries so far, with 2-3 more surgeries coming up in the near future, all covered by her state's Medicaid plan. In the past, Lorelei was homeless for 10+ years before making permanent roots in Vermont when the pandemic hit. Due to limited income, she can't afford pre-surgery treatments such as hair removal services. Lorelei shares, "While hair removal will help me in that I won't have to shave anymore or deal with judgmental looks from transphobes, I will feel like I belong at last in my own skin and body, especially after my upcoming surgeries." Lorelei is an activist for various causes in her community (online, in Vermont, and nationwide) as well as a content creator, streamer, comedian, and artist. In the face of challenges, she still remains hopeful, thanks in large part to her wonderful group of true friends. Lorelei describes herself as loyal, funny, creative, and brutally honest at times, though she will always be there for the people she loves.

Natasha (she/her) is a 27-year-old trans woman who is currently living with type 1 diabetes with complications. She’s seeking electrolysis treatments, but due to her financial situation and limited abilities to work, she had always thought it wouldn't be possible. Natasha has also recently went back to school in hopes of getting her degree to make a better living, but that put even more strain on her finances, leaving her feeling hopeless and insecure. "I'm ecstatic to receive treatment," Natasha shares, "especially because not many trans women have this opportunity. I am excited to feel more comfortable and confident, to go to work and school with less dysphoria and insecurity. Everyone deserves to feel this way!" Natasha is a passionate creative who loves to make music, she loves fashion and design, and writing poetry and short stories. She also is very outspoken about trans rights especially when it comes to people of color like her.

Isabelle (she/her) is a disabled trans woman of color. While her health insurance will cover gender-affirming surgery, hair removal is excluded from coverage. "Not being able to afford hair removal has become a major block from getting the procedure," Isabelle shares. "Access to healthcare will significantly decrease the discomfort I feel with my body and allow me to more confidently express myself." Isabelle describes herself as a nature-lover who enjoys finding new experiences in life, spending time with friends, dancing, and performing on a stage.

Pyxie (she/her) is a 27-year-old trans woman born in the heart of the Bible Belt. Pyxie has faced hurdle after hurdle but maintains belief in the power of kindness: "Even with life throwing everything under the sun at me, I'm still always here for my fellow community members." Living paycheck to paycheck, she has never had the opportunity to save up enough money to further along her transition. Pyxie has a skin condition that makes traditional hair removal incredibly painful. She is looking forward to being able to be comfortable in her own skin without pain. One day, she hopes to start her own self-sustainable, eco-conscious farm and restaurant.

Moon (she/her) is a 36-year-old Autistic agender trans woman with multiple disabilities. She was out of work for six months and has had trouble with receiving accommodations at her previous workplaces for her disabilities. She is currently on Medicaid, which does not cover laser hair removal because it considers hair removal cosmetic. To support herself, Moon drives for a ride-sharing app. "Hair removal will therefore help keep me safe," Moon shares, "and not only that, but shaving daily is hard on my skin and often painful. I can't wait for my skin, mental health, and overall confidence to improve." Moon makes ambient music in her spare time.

J Ro (he/him) is a 28-year-old Black trans man who is midway through the process of getting bottom surgery. He is a vocal supporter for trans and queer people of color like himself through working in professional and personal advocacy. However, the funding to sustain this work has been inconsistent. From being an essential worker throughout the pandemic and supporting his family, J Ro has sought out every avenue of aid to allow him to receive the medical care he needs to finally be comfortable in his own skin. "My bottom surgery is a 4-step process: the need to finish has never felt more pressing than right now," J Ro shares. "The discomfort I feel with my body as it is strains my mental and physical health. Electrolysis will help eliminate the risk of complications and clear me for the next stage on my journey." J Ro has spent his adult life advocating for the intersectionality of the queer and trans community in the black and brown communities, with the goal to be a safe space for those who are in the beginning of their transitions especially trans masculine individuals.

Alissa (she/her) is a disabled trans woman living with Crohn's disease, which has added many challenges in being able to obtain the care she needs. "Working in Nebraska became difficult, so my partner and I moved to Pennsylvania for better support. Unfortunately, my condition worsened, hindering my ability to work regular jobs," Alissa shares. "Now, I'm seeking electrolysis as part of my transition. Red hair complicates laser hair removal, making electrolysis the better option. It has been a rough journey, but I remain determined." Alissa describes herself as kind, giving, and loving, who is deeply committed to a supportive partner who has helped shape her journey. "Receiving gender-affirming healthcare will bring authenticity and peace to my day-to-day life."

Lea (they/them) is a 31-year-old non-binary trans artist and educator seeking permanent hair removal. Due to disability and financial challenges, they are unable to afford even regular temporary hair removal treatments. In order for them to feel most comfortable in their skin, their life would be more complete with permanent hair removal for gender euphoria. "Receiving gender-affirming healthcare will increase my capacity for happiness and contentment," Lea shares. In her personal life, Lea is a creative whose art focuses on truth telling and social Justice. They are committed to sharing their experiences as an extremely marginalized person.

Paris (she/her) is a 73-year-old pre-op trans woman who is beginning her third year of HRT. Although she has been dressing femme since the age of 5, only since she started taking feminine hormones has she set aside the guilt and shame and embraced her life as a woman. Every day she presents as female, she reinforces who she knows herself to be and affirm her desire to seek bottom surgery. Even though her family does not support her transition, she has adequate support from members of the community. "It takes me up to an hour each day to shave my grey facial hair," shares Paris. "My bottom grey hair is an issue, too: bottom surgery cannot happen until the area is cleared, and laser hair removal is ineffective on grey hair. This grant towards electrolysis is so important for that reason." As a former lawyer, she speaks and writes well and has a history of championing the underdog. 

Star (they/them) shares, "I grew up in the 90s when we didn't have words like non-binary. I knew I wasn't a girl but I didn't know there was anything but girl or boy." Star transitioned and took testosterone for two years before they came to discover their identity as non-binary. In trying to access gender-affirming hair removal, Star's faced challenges: "I'm disabled, both physically and mentally, and I have always been poor. I second-guess myself because of my hair constantly. Hair removal will free me from so much fear, grief, and disconnect from who I know I am inside." Star describes themself as a jack-of-all-trades artist with two lovely partners and a son. "I have severe ADHD, a slew of mental illnesses, and debilitating physical conditions. I have chronic pain, fatigue, and mobility limitations. My world is limited to what I can reach, and how much energy I have. Yet, with the help of my family and friends, I thrive."

Kei (she/her) is a 22-year-old intersex trans femme seeking out a gender-corrective surgery from non-consensual body modifications at birth. Due to financial restraints from being a full-time student and paying all of her bills by herself, she is unable to afford the electrolysis sessions needed prior to surgery. "Finally, I'm a step closer to receiving surgery to correct two decades of trauma caused by the malpractice of non-consensual surgeries performed on intersex children," Kei shares. As a Black-Pacific Islander and Asian-American artist who is third-generation, her art incorporates her identities and truly is a part of her. She likes to include characters in her stories that look like her as well to create representation and inclusivity.

Jayni (she/her) is a 38-year-old trans woman from North Carolina. She's been medically transitioning since 2020 while working as a pizza delivery driver and paying the bulk of her household's bills due to her wife's health limitations. Thanks to being on the brink of poverty, Jayni qualifies for government healthcare, but unfortunately it doesn't cover hair removal so she's had to spend many months skimping and stashing away tip money for expensive and endless laser sessions while barely making ends meet. Due to the wave of anti-trans bills being passed in the US, Jayni worries often about her insurance coverage for trans healthcare being taken away before she can attain gender affirming surgery. She dreads being unable to get bottom surgery, which would leave her feeling incomplete and unable to fully exist as herself without dysphoria. "Receiving timely electrolysis treatments will lead to being able to get surgery and therefore feel a huge sense of relief and inner peace," Jayni shares. "And true joy. Finally." Jayni is a creative and talented digital artist who loves cute things and animals, especially cats. She enjoys spending time with her loving wife who has supported her throughout her transition.

Kitty (they/them) is a Black agender person seeking hair removal. "I've been doing my best to thrive in this world, working to feel completely comfortable in my body. Hair removal is one of many steps I'm excited to take," they share. Kitty describes themself as compassionate, dedicated, fierce, and vulnerable. They are excited for life following hair removal: "I will feel less dysphoria and have so more confidence in myself."

Amara (she/her) is a 29-year-old, larger-bodied trans woman of color who is a little over one year into her medical transition after having come out five years ago. Due to her limited income, Amara hasn't been able to pursue gender-affirming facial hair removal. Her facial hair stubble and razor bumps are a great source of her dysphoria. "Receiving this treatment would mean a great boost in security and safety when out in public," Amara shares. She is a poet, writer, performer, and all-around artist dabbling in several different mediums, as well as an entrepreneur and organizer. She is kind, considerate, community-minded, and considers herself to be quite funny.

Kaci (she/her) is a trans woman who has been on an extremely long journey since childhood. She has been on SSI and SSDI for a long time, and therefore is very limited in her funds to afford care for the gender dysphoria she experiences. She has been struggling for 35+ years with health issues, homelessness, and lack of supportive friends and family. Over the years, Kaci has tried many different avenues to save, sell, and work to have enough funds for electrolysis. She is extremely insecure in public, often  hiding her face to conceal a 5 o'clock shadow. On receiving this grant, Kaci shares, "When I got the email, it literally brought tears to my eyes... This is one step closer to feeling like I can walk in public and hold my head up high and finally say—after 57 years—'I am a complete woman.'" Kaci is extremely multi-talented in music, and volunteers her time with Pride events.

Booma (she/her) is a Black trans woman whose journey to care "has been hectic, to say the least." From being denied healthcare coverage to going to a hospital experiencing discrimination there,  Booma continues to smile in the face of adversity. After dealing with these challenges, Booma turned to other avenues for assistance but was denied after every application, leaving her unable to afford the care she needs and using what she has to survive. She is overjoyed at the thought of finally starting the hair removal process. "This is going to positively impact my life for the better and I can’t wait to witness the results." Booma is artist and lover of the arts. She is also a trans activist, peer support specialist, mental health advocate, and more. She loves helping people and making sure they are connected to resources. "With the politics and rhetoric going on in my birth state of Florida and the South, it’s imperative that we continue to fight, but also take care of ourselves in the process. We’ve been here and we ain’t going nowhere.”

Ruth (she/her) is a Black trans woman facing serious financial challenges. After losing her job and experiencing discrimination from employers, she's been facing housing insecurity and staying with a friend. She is hopeful that following hair removal on her face and neck, her ability to get a job will improve. "I'm very excited and proud to be part of this community, this family – but my financial challenges hold me back from the life I need," she shares. "I'm eager to fully appreciate myself and who I am." Ruth notes the thing she values most in her life is her friendship with other LGBTQ+ people.

Xanthippe (she/her) is a 26-year-old queer trans woman looking for electrolysis treatment. Between having a heart condition and traveling out of state to her PCP, Xanthippe has had a lot of trouble with money and finding treatment. With no luck from crowdfunding, she has not been able to afford treatment until now, and facial hair is her biggest point of dysphoria. Xanthippe is a musician with dreams of being comfortable enough to play shows live. She wants to becoming a successful recording and touring artist and use her earning to give back to the community! "The boost of confidence I would feel with my facial hair being gone would be unmatched!" Xanthippe shares. "I want to enjoy having my picture taken, going to work, performing music, and be comfortable even just walking around my own apartment without being hyper self-conscious or without shaving every day, ruining my skin in the process. I want to feel like myself again."

McKalamari (she/her) is a post-op transsexual femme seeking hair removal on her face and neck. "My journey has been one of both joy and excitement and totally support and understanding; as well as frightening, overwhelming, frustrating and depressing. I’ve been struggling trying to find affirming care, and have sadly been taken advantage of on several occasions." Despite the challenges she's faced, McKalamari remains positive. "My heart and soul is what I'm known for among my loved ones. I always try to love others how I'd want to be loved." She describes herself as loyal, nurturing, and encouraging to others. She is eager for life following hair removal: "I’m looking forward to life after my electrolysis hair removal procedures to finally feel comfortable with my facial skin."

Alexis (she/her) is a trans femme who has struggled financially due to the lack of job opportunities as a visible and proud trans person. She often is interviewed for jobs and all too often receives a rejection email shortly after. Alexis has tried obtain coverage for facial feminization surgery and electrolysis but has been denied by her insurance and given the run-around as she appeals their decision. "Being able to wake up and not shave or deal with the gender dysphoria that my facial hair and razor bumps give me would be a dream," Alexis shared. "I long to look in the mirror and just see myself, without the reminder of the traumatizing puberty I went through written all over my face." Alexis enjoys spending time with animals. She has Pomeranian that keeps her busy and she enjoys feeding as many stray cats in her neighborhood as she can afford to. She dreams of one day being able to open a senior dog sanctuary.

Nyla (they/them) is a 23-year-old gender non-conforming individual who is seeking hair removal to prepare for gender-affirming surgery later this year. Due to unemployment and the expensive medications they need, Nyla is struggling to make ends meet and pay their bills. As a result, they are currently facing housing instability. Nyla describes herself as a kind individual who takes an active role in her community and frequently goes to orphanages to assist with laundry. They shares, "Hair removal will allow me surgery, which will give me the change to live a happy and fulfilling life in my community."

Alejandra (she/her) is a disabled non-binary femme seeking hair removal in preparation for surgery, which is scheduled for December 2024. After coming out in 2021, she was fired from all her jobs as a result of her trans status. "I have been trying to get electrolysis for a while now but I can’t afford it," Alejandra shared. "It's so hard to be able to afford this when you cannot even get a job, especially at a time when your very existence is politicized." Alejandra describes herself as a sister, a friend, a volleyball player, a worker, a survivor, and a human.

Keke (she/her) is a Black Disabled Trans Woman who is seeking permanent hair removal. "I'm just hoping I can get back to a better life." After coming out as transgender, Keke was assaulted and subsequently her mental health took a toll. While dealing with trauma, she retreated, became unemployed, and thus experienced a bout of homelessness. She faced financial hardships due to her joblessness, obstacles in finding new work due to a previous arrest, and has struggled to gain a solid footing ever since. She adds that permanent hair removal would not only be of personal benefit to her mental health, but also feels it may help her navigate spaces in which others may discriminate against her for it.  "I believe access to hair removal will help achieve goals in all areas of my life: self-esteem, work, and day-to-day."

Javi (she/they) is a 30-year-old HIV+ non-binary femme Latina/Chicana seeking facial electrolysis. They live with gender dysphoria and PTSD symptoms that make it difficult to earn a living. Currently, she is facing housing insecurity as her mother and grandfather who support her have significant health issues of their own, and struggle to fully affirm her gender. Without facial electrolysis, Javi feels out of place and misunderstood in the world. Javi shares, "I want people to know my truth. I want them to know my gender is real to me, and I am worthy of enjoying my body, my life!"

Clei (they/them) is a 49-year-old intersex, non-binary person seeking hair removal on their face and in prep for bottom surgery. "My parents and doctor performed surgery on me as a child without my consent, making the decision on what gender they thought was best. My life has been one constant struggle," Clei shares. Thankfully, they've found a supportive partner who is helping them transition to the both that best fits them. "I am really looking forward to looking in the mirror and seeing the person on the outside match the person on the inside. To walk around freely and not feel as if people are staring at me." Clei enjoys the outdoors, especially kayaking, hiking, and camping. "I'm a wilderness educator and survival instructor who enjoys finding other trans and intersex people to take out for adventures, where we can all be ourselves in a comfortable setting."

Claire (she/her) is a non-binary trans femme seeking facial hair removal. She shares, "I came out in 2019, and didn't start on HRT until 2021. Since then, there have been a lot of improvements, but the amount of hair I'm dealing with still is a great source of dysphoria." She describes herself as a talented musician who loves writing songs that "devastate the heart and swoon the soul," but dysphoria gets in the way of everyday life. "It can be rather crushing, and makes it harder for me to stay present."

Ciara (she/her) is a 23-year-old Black trans woman who works in community outreach. She spends her free time participating in the ballroom scene. "I love community work, I love to dance, and I love to cook!" Ciara shares. And with access to hair removal, she feels hopeful: "I will be more confident presenting as myself!"

Carlos (he/him) is trans masculine person of color and university student seeking hair removal in preparation for surgery. In addition to full-time school, Carlos supports himself financially at a workplace where he is facing discrimination; as his hours have been cut at his job, his expenses now outweigh his income. "It’s been difficult," Carlos shares. "I don’t have parental help, and as a college student I don’t have much spending money, especially for treatments with permanent hair removal." He describes himself as a support person among his friends, someone they can turn to for help or conversation. Once he is able to access care, he is hopeful: "I know I'll feel happier in my day-to-day. I'm looking forward to presenting as the person I want to become."

Brenda (she/her) is a 40-year-old trans woman seeking hair removal on her face. All of her life, Brenda has had to deal with the dysphoria that having a facial hair can bring a woman. She shaves every single day and yet by the end of the day she’s already forming a five o'clock shadow, which is a source of depression for her. Brenda is a caretaker for her ailing father who suffers from Parkinson’s as well end stage renal failure. She is also a supportive and loyal friend to her chosen family. Brenda enjoys movies, video games, and occasionally watching basketball. Her favorite pastime, however, is spending time with her friends and going to Disney World. She shares, "I'm excited to not have to deal with shaving every single day, to not have to wear heavy makeup everywhere I go."

Breanna (she/her) shares, "I cannot wait to become aligned with my inner self, who I see myself to truly be." She describes herself as kind, heartwarming, and caring towards the people in her life, especially when they have limited resources or have fallen on hard times. For Breanna, access to permanent hair removal services is an opportunity to dream about the future again. "I can start to forget about my old life, and live the way I was meant to live."

Blake (they/them) is a 22-year-old non-binary student. The money they make goes directly to rent and food, leaving little to save for gender-affirming care. A significant part of their dysphoria comes from body hair, and unfortunately, they have been unsuccessful in getting insurance to cover the procedures. Blake also loves working on cars. They offer free services to people in their community who can not afford to go to a mechanic. They are looking forward to having smooth skin without constant shaving. Blake shares, "I'll be a lot more confident without body hair."

Alice (she/her) a 36-year-old trans woman. Ever since she first came to know her identity as a child, she has wanted to live life as a woman. Alice has lived through disability, unaccepting family and community, houselessness, and insurance denials to cover her transition-related needs. Despite navigating harrowing experiences in her life and hospitalizations related to her mental health, she always attempts to help others, whether that's by delivering groceries, helping supply people with other necessities to survive, or defending people facing eviction. "Receiving this hair removal will not only be gender-affirming, but will enable me to receive vaginoplasty," she shares. "It will help me live a safer life, and be filled with more confidence." 

August (she/they) a 23-year-old non-binary transfemme seeking electrolysis, with hopes of one day getting facial feminization surgery. They've sought HRT, but due to an unsupportive environment, have only been able to access DIY monotherapy through friends and their contacts. They've been working a low-wage retail job in attempts to save up for proper care, but between their rent and essentials for themself and their partner, August can scarcely afford any gender-affirming care. She hopes that receiving electrolysis will help her be able to live her life comfortably in her own skin. They also hope that receiving such care will further help enable them to pass, which may help them further avoid the common abuse they receive in their home state of Oklahoma. As she puts it, "It can be really hard living in a place where many would rather you didn't exist. If electrolysis can help me avoid even a fraction of the abuse I regularly receive, it will change my life entirely." August is an avid aviation geek, and – alongside saving for gender affirming care – is hoping to one day pursue a license and career in aviation. 

Thea (she/her) is a 23-year old college graduate. She has experienced financial hardships due to discrimination in the workplace. She also currently lives in a state that is hostile towards trans-people. Thea describes herself as a highly-motivated individual who actively participates in her local political scene. "Point of Pride has given me the opportunity to be safe," she shares. "Now that I have access to facial hair removal, I am  excited to finally show my true and authentic self."

Harper (she/her) is a 32-year-old trans woman whom is seeking laser hair removal. She lives currently with financial challenges due to limited available jobs in her field; this has caused the loss of her home and rely on all of the savings she had earmarked for treatments so she could afford necessities. Harper is an activist for computer literacy and security awareness, helping people understand and more safely use the technology of our current time. She is a hobby game designer and board game enthusiast whom frequents tabletop events, and she enjoys long hikes in the woods and camping when possible. Harper shares, "I am thrilled with the idea of being able to look in a mirror and not be filled with dread at what is looking back at me. To feel less shame about how my face looks and to not have the pain that comes with shaving three plus times a day. I look forward this beautiful future as myself."

Edmond (she/her) is a trans young adult of color who has experienced discrimination. She shares, "I'm so thankful for this opportunity – a chance to live more freely in society. This gender-affirming care will provide me with more safety and confidence. I hope to live with less fear of discrimination and harassment." Edmond describes herself as determined. She hopes for a future in which all trans people are able to access the care and support they need to thrive.

Anna (she/her) is a self-described geeky trans-woman who has struggled all of her adult life with serious mental illness, disability, and extreme dysphoria. She lives trapped behind a thick layer of Pan-stik foundation without which she can't handle being seen, even by her spouse and child. She managed to get some laser hair removal, but couldn't afford to finish. On a fixed income, she dreams of removing the rest of her facial hair so she can finally show her face without having to "put it on" first. After hair removal, she is eager to "wake up in the morning and come downstairs without having to spend two hours carefully shaving and putting on extensive makeup to hide shadows. I can't wait to kiss my spouse without worrying about needing to go fix my makeup afterwards!" Anna is a published author of Sci-Fi and Fantasy fiction featuring LGBT protagonists and diverse casts. Her books have been #1 bestsellers in the LGBT Fantasy category on Amazon. She loves TTRPGs, video games, music, and reading. She loves her spouse, son, and her cat, but not her spouse's dog with whom she has an endless rivalry.

Angel (she/her) is a 45-year-old trans woman seeking electrolysis/laser hair removal. She is on disability and the cost out of pocket is extremely expensive. She feels like these procedures will help her to gain a new lease on life and the ability to maneuver through society comfortable in her skin. "It's been a long journey, and this will help with the burden of dealing with facial hair and the side eyes [from others.] It's a chance to be 'free,'" she shares. "I've been struggling with facial hair and the side effects of constant shaving on my face for so long I don't even remember what I look like without them. The dark spots, the razor bumps, the bumpy texture that can't even be covered up with makeup has made me a recluse... It will be a joy to join the world of the living and be able to breathe and participate without having to check with my face."

James (he/they) is a 36-year-old nonbinary trans masculine person. He has struggled to get his medical costs covered after he was laid off 2 months after starting a job. He then was unemployed for a year. Currently, his insurance will cover phalloplasty but not the electrolysis necessary prior to the surgery. "I'm very excited to be able to live life in the body I've always seen myself having," James shares. "I can't wait to no longer have to worry about my packer falling out!" James loves animals and has devoted a large part of his life to doing animal rescue, having previously taken in dozens of animals for rehabilitation and rehoming. James and his partner currently live a quiet life with their two dogs.

Luciana (she/her) is a trans woman of color, a survivor of childhood physical trauma, a caregiver, a partner, and a proud auntie.  who .  who is "simply trying to co-exist in this world. "I am currently a contract worker. I do not receive health benefits and am the lowest paid person in my office," she shares. "My partner [who is also trans] has Crohn's disease which contributed to her job loss, leading to us lose housing." As a result, Luciana is the sole provider. "As a trans person of color working in corporate America, I already face significant adversity. The fear I feel when someone says calls out beard shadow is paralyzing at times. Facial hair removal will give me more confidence in my workplace and will allow to find better employment without the fear of discrimination."