Meet Ayang
Ayang's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Ayang (she/her) is a 21-year-old trans woman who has recently got out of college. She wanted to start hormone therapy early on in her transition but due to unstable employment, loss of housing, and multiple switching of insurance companies, she was not financially able to. Student debt and medical bills took the forefront. The discomfort and anxiety of not beginning HRT left her feeling stuck.
Ayang is an award-winning artist and a mental health advocate, dedicating the majority of her free time to illustrating mental health issues and topics. She shared, "This opportunity has relieved me of the stress that has been gnawing at my mind for the past two years. With this opportunity, I can finally start making those first few steps towards becoming the person I really am."
Ayang's timeline
-
Award Granted
July 22, 2022
Ayang was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT! -
HRT Onboarding Date
September 8, 2022
Ayang was seen by her HRT/GaHT provider. -
Update
January 12, 2023
Ayang shared, "My life has definitely changed for the better! Especially now that I am receiving most of the benefits from HRT Care. My dysphoria is not as prominent as it used to be but I still have a lot of obstacles still to over come. The best thing to come out of it was just a revitalized sense of self; I really cherish being able to be more in tune with my emotions. It gives me one less thing to worry about as I try to get my life in a more stable position. It is a relief not having to worry about not progressing in my transition due to monetary constraints. If it weren't for Point of Pride, I don't believe I could've had HRT treatment for a few years. Recently my mother has been putting a more concerted effort in accepting my gender identity. She has gotten a lot better at using She/her and my preferred name in public. I like to think that me being on HRT was a heavy indicator to my mom that I was serious about transitioning and now that she's seeing more physical differences in the way I look, Its harder for her to forget." -
Update
June 17, 2023
Ayang shared, "HRT has made every facet of my life so much more bearable. Getting HRT was the roadblock stopping me from getting to a future where I'm happy. To be able to continue my transitioning goals , To be able to feel more comfortable in public, to be able to live my life happily, I am so unapologetically grateful for being given this opportunity. Having access to HRT has been absolutely life changing, I don't know where I'd be without it." -
Update
August 13, 2023
Ayang shared, "Sometimes, having HRT feels like finally taking a deep breath after holding it in for a long time. It almost feels like a pillar that I know I can stand on when things get rough. I remember the unbearable stress I had when I didn't have access to HRT. For every day I didn't have it, It felt like another day lost. Just having access to it has put those thoughts to rest. I feel, at least for me, that being on HRT has finally opened up locked up feelings , both good and bad, that I was denied in my youth. To an extent, I sort of feel like a freedom fighter, fighting against a tyrannical and oppressive rule and taking back what was taken. I feel like I'm winning, I feel victorious".
Grant details
$2,200 towards gender-affirming care.
TikTok-a-Thon granteeDonate
Help us support more people like Ayang get the care they need and deserve.
About Estrogen+
On average, it costs $1,700+/year for Ayang'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.