Meet Ari
Ari's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Ari (she/her) is currently underemployed, housing insecure, and the sole provider for herself. She is a college student on a year of absence. Ari's loss of stable employment in March 2023 resulted in losing her entire savings, which she had intended to use for electrolysis, and incurring roughly $15,000 in debt. Ari suffers from chronic pain due to past work injuries and struggles to find employment due to ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and CPTSD.
"My previous employer refused to not deadname me, and nearly all coworkers were unsafe and often used slurs," Ari shares.
Ari removes hair by shaving daily, dealing with a thick, coarse red beard with some white patches, both too light for laser. "Shaving hurts, and razors regularly cut my skin, leaving redness for hours," she explains.
Ari hopes to find stable employment with the confidence that being hair-free would provide. Receiving support for electrolysis would significantly improve her quality of life, helping her feel more comfortable and confident in her identity and aiding in her search for stable employment.
Ari's timeline
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Award Granted
April 15, 2024
Ari was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
June 6, 2024
A payment has been made toward Ari's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Ari get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Ari's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- After care
What is it?
Point of Pride provides grants to trans femme people seeking hair removal on their face, neck, or an area of the body in preparation for bottom surgery.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
For trans femme folks, particularly trans femmes of color, access to facial hair removal often equates to safety against anti-trans violence or discrimination. It's common for applicants to note issues with employment and public safety, particularly if their facial hair is dark or thick. Electrolysis and laser hair removal services are often deemed cosmetic and therefore not covered by health insurance plans.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
Access to hair removal often leads to a more positive emotional well-being, increased confidence, increased safety when in public, and better opportunities at employment and more.