Meet Aria
Aria's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Aria (she/her) is a 20-year-old trans woman living in Pennsylvania. While she has been questioning her gender since high school, she wasn’t sure who she really was until late 2023. Even then, she started slow, changing little things like going by her new name and trying on more neutral and feminine clothes. Earlier this year, she was able to start HRT, which thankfully was covered by Medicaid. Due to medical concerns, she needs to take a slower approach to her medical transition than most, but she is thankful she can transition at all.
In her free time, Aria loves to play guitar and sing. She grew up surrounded by music, from sitting with the church choir with her mother to listening to rock with her dad. From a young age, she wanted to play the guitar, but due to hand weakness from Muscular Dystrophy, it wasn’t easy, and it took her quite a few years to overcome that barrier. Muscular Dystrophy has affected other areas of her life as well, making even the simple task of getting to school a challenge. Since the age of nine, she has needed to use a wheelchair to get through her daily routine. Because of her physical limitations, she is unable to work and lives off of SSI.
Facial hair is one of the biggest sources of dysphoria for Aria, so having the opportunity to get rid of it would be a game changer. She’d feel much more comfortable in her body if she could at least thin it out, but her hair is so coarse that she can’t get a clear shave. Even if others don’t notice, she feels it’s there and feels uncomfortable. Thankfully, hair removal is one of the procedures her medical team believes is safe for her to do. Aria is very thankful for the assistance provided by Point of Pride on this step of her journey.
Aria's timeline
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Award Granted
April 6, 2024
Aria was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Aria get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Aria'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.