Point of Pride Launches New Thrive Fund to Provide Microgrants for Gender-Affirming Needs

In celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Point of Pride is excited to announce the launch of the Thrive Fund, a new microgrants initiative designed to support transgender individuals who cannot afford gender-affirming health and wellness services.

The Thrive Fund will provide grants of up to $2,500 to cover a wide range of gender-affirming needs that are not addressed by Point of Pride’s existing programs.

“This program is in direct response to the many messages we receive each week from trans and gender-diverse folks who cannot access vital gender-affirming care,” said Tyler Rodriguez, Director of Programs. “We are excited to empower more siblings in our community with their journey towards living authentically and healthily.”

The Thrive Fund aims to fill critical gaps in care by offering financial support for services such as:

• Gender-affirming prosthetics or wigs
• Letters from licensed therapists required for HRT or surgery
• Professional nursing or caregiving support following surgery
• At-home Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal devices
• Waxing services or other non-permanent hair removal methods
• Vocal therapy or voice training sessions
• Medical tattooing
• Fertility preservation or reproductive health services, including contraception, IUDs, and birth control implants

Jeff Main, Executive Director of Point of Pride, emphasized the financial barriers faced by the community: “So many of these types of healthcare expenses are not covered by health insurance, and many of the people we serve don’t have health insurance in the first place. Despite this, these services are incredibly necessary in the lives of many trans folks. We are committed to continuing to bridge gaps towards inclusive health and wellness.”

Applications for the Thrive Fund’s first funding cycle will be accepted from August 1 to August 31, 2024. Trans individuals seeking financial assistance can learn more and apply at www.pointofpride.org/thrive-fund.