Meet Aayren
Aayren's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Aayren (they/he/she) is an 18-year-old disabled, neurodivergent, genderfluid person seeking HRT. They live with significant financial challenges: due to the high cost of living, she is barely able to make ends meet on his current income. In the past, they've also dealt with housing insecurity. After exhausting all resources to receive HRT in a timely and cost effective manner, he began to give up, being unable to afford the care she needs. As a result, they've remained feeling simply incomplete, and dysphoric.
Aayren is a loving individual that enjoys taking care of their partners to the best of their abilities, and remains active in their community. He plans to major in Biotechnology, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. She is passionate about activism, reading, writing, spirituality, and entrepreneurship. After having to move out at 18 years old and live paycheck to paycheck, they have found solace in embracing their love of the performing arts, and taking care of those they love.
Aayren shared, "I'm excited to be able to walk around with confidence, and the idea of people being confused about my gender makes me very happy. I didn’t expect to survive past middle school, let alone as long as I have, and I just want to live to be the fullest expression of myself as much as possible in this life."
Aayren's timeline
-
Award Granted
July 22, 2022
Aayren was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT! -
HRT Onboarding Date
September 9, 2022
Aayren was seen by their HRT/GaHT provider. -
Update
December 30, 2022
Aayren shared, "Access to HRT long term means that I am freer to express myself with a higher chance of getting gendered correctly & in my daily life I'm so much more confident in myself in everything I do because I get to be me. The changes to my body & voice came much faster than I expected & it was such a pleasant, affirming surprise". -
Update
June 13, 2023
Aayren shared, "Access to HRT - Affordable access at that, means that I can achieve my transition goals & lessen my dysphoria without risking homelessness or extreme debt". -
Update
June 18, 2023
Aayren shared, "Access to HRT means that I'm able to be myself with a lot less stress, I'm much more confident standing up for myself & I'm now that much closer to reaching my goals for gender affirming surgeries". -
Update
December 13, 2023
Aayren shared, "It's been fantastic - I have been so so so much happier & less dysphoric since beginning testosterone. [Access to care] means reducing dysphoria long term & better reaching my transition goals. I am getting a consult for surgery!".
Grant details
$1,450 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Aayren get the care they need and deserve.
About Testosterone+
On average, it costs $1,200+/year for Aayren's care.
- What is it?
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Testosterone+ refers to the gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT) methods that some trans men, trans masc, and non-binary people take that result in physical changes which align with their gender identity. Every person's preferences and personal healthcare needs vary, so this can include oral medications, injections, and transdermal patches.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
For trans folks who live in states most impacted by anti-trans healthcare legislation, it can be extremely difficult to find a knowledgeable, trans-affirming provider as well as access prescription medication. Many insurance plans do not cover HRT. For trans folks without insurance coverage, the ongoing out-of-pocket expense can be challenging.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
Testosterone+ introduces a wide range of masculinizing physical, emotional, and psychological changes that align with their gender identity. This often leads to a more positive emotional well-being, increased confidence, increased safety when in public, and better opportunities at employment and more.