Meet Bella
Bella's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Bella (she/her) is a 42-year-old trans woman who is employed and has a mortgage on her home. Recently, due to her disability, she was in danger of losing her home, but her loan company was able to modify the mortgage to make it manageable, though it now costs her more per month. Her partner is disabled and currently receives no financial benefits, making Bella the sole financial provider.
Due to her disability, Bella has never been able to save money. She has faced issues in the past with healthcare providers denying her care and employers discriminating against her. Bella shaves as often as she can tolerate, but it causes a great deal of discomfort. Other methods of at-home hair removal provide very temporary results, with regrowth typically occurring within a few days.
"I'm hoping that by getting hair removal I'll appear more femme with less hair and be better prepared to obtain surgery," Bella shares. Receiving professional hair removal would significantly reduce her discomfort and help her feel more comfortable and confident in her appearance.
Bella's timeline
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Award Granted
April 6, 2024
Bella was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
May 21, 2024
A payment has been made toward Bella's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$4,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Bella get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Bella'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.