Meet Ash
Ash's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Ash (she/they) is a transfemme non-binary person from Alabama, balancing full-time care for her mother, who has Dementia, while maintaining a demanding work life. After being laid off in October 2023, Ash had to use all their savings to afford basic living expenses, forcing her to make difficult sacrifices, including compromising their ability to remain on HRT. Now working full-time with plans to take on a second job, she continues to chip away at the debt incurred during this challenging time.
A passionate advocate in the VR LGBTQ+ community, Ash leverages her expertise in Trust and Safety to help with moderation in online spaces. They found a sense of belonging and freedom in VRChat, where she first explored her gender identity openly. Their advocacy extends to promoting accessibility for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Non-Verbal individuals, a cause close to their heart as she experienced non-verbality for four years before regaining their speech. Her next aspiration is to break into the world of voice acting.
Reflecting on her journey, Ash shares, "No longer having to worry about remaining on HRT will be a massive weight off my back. It allows me to feel in control of at least some aspect of my life and makes me feel like myself. I don’t like having to hide, I just want to be me—HRT allows that."
Ash's resilience and dedication to living authentically, despite her circumstances, shine through in her commitment to both their personal goals and her caregiving responsibilities.
Ash's timeline
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Award Granted
August 12, 2024
Ash was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT!
Grant details
$1,200 towards gender-affirming care.
Donate
Help us support more people like Ash get the care they need and deserve.
About Estrogen+
On average, it costs $1,700+/year for Ash's care.
- What is it?
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Estrogen+ refers to the gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT) methods that some trans women, trans femme, 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?
Estogen+ introduces a wide range of feminizing 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.