Point of Pride Releases COVID-19 Emergency Fund Impact Report

As the COVID-19 Emergency Fund is sunset, Point of Pride is proud to release the final impact report for the program, which provided vital financial relief to transgender individuals facing hardships due to the pandemic. From March 2020 through July 2021, Point of Pride awarded $38,135 in microgrants to 521 trans recipients who had lost income and were unable to cover essential health-related expenses.

The COVID-19 Emergency Fund helped recipients pay for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), mental health services, medical supplies, and other gender-affirming care.

“This work was made possible by the generosity of our community, allies, and donors,” Point of Pride said in a statement. “We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to providing life-saving support when it was needed most.”

Key Impact Figures:

• $38,135 in mutual aid distributed to 521 trans recipients
• 71% of recipients live with a long-standing illness or disability, and 67% have experienced discrimination from healthcare providers
• 84% of recipients have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, with 42% currently housing insecure
• Over 80% of recipients identify as people of color, with 45% identifying as BIPOC and 20% as Hispanic or Latinx

The gender identities of recipients were as diverse as the communities served:

• 41% are non-binary
• 32% are trans masc
• 26% are trans femme
• The remaining recipients identified as agender, demi-gender, gender fluid, or two-spirit

Testimonials from Recipients:

• “I was able to get my estrogen and testosterone blockers and restabilize my body back to normal. Thanks for real, because I was getting sick without my medication.” – Kiran-Graham
• “This could literally not have come at a better time. I have so many medications that need to be picked up at the pharmacy right now!” – Asyadi
• “I can’t tell you how much of a relief it is to get a little bit of a boost from the relief fund. Thank you so much to everyone who makes these donations possible.” – Toxotes
• “Access to therapy will really benefit me. I really appreciate it!” – Reshawyal
• “This grant covers 6 weeks of my therapy sessions — so tremendously helpful in a time of financial uncertainty.” – Ariel

As of July 31, 2021, the COVID-19 Emergency Fund has been discontinued. While the pandemic continues to disproportionately affect historically marginalized communities, Point of Pride has observed a decrease in requests for COVID-specific relief. As a result, the organization has reallocated its limited resources to its other programs, such as the Annual Trans Surgery Fund, HRT Access Fund, and Free Chest Binder and Femme Shapewear programs, which have seen growing interest.

Point of Pride remains committed to supporting the trans community through its ongoing programs and will continue to adapt to the evolving needs of those it serves.