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Meet Braulio

Braulio

Braulio's story

Thrive Fund recipient

Braulio (he/him) has been navigating the complexities of managing his transition alongside the financial challenges of everyday life. With a critical need to renew his Mexican passport and update his name through the consulate, Braulio is working against tight deadlines to align his documents with his identity. This process is necessary not only for personal affirmation but also to update his residency documentation, which carries its own significant renewal fees.

Currently, Braulio is saving every penny he can to prepare for his upcoming top surgery. While his insurance covers a portion of the procedure, he still faces substantial out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, he needs to save for living expenses during his recovery, as he will be unable to work for several weeks post-surgery. Despite working hard, Braulio is living paycheck to paycheck, with the rising costs of rent and food making it even harder to save for these critical expenses.

Access to financial assistance for his passport renewal and name change would alleviate a tremendous amount of stress and help Braulio stay on track with his transition and legal documentation. With these steps completed, Braulio can focus fully on his surgery and recovery, paving the way for a future where he can live authentically and confidently.

Braulio's timeline

  • Award Granted

    November 19, 2024

    Braulio was awarded a Thrive Fund award!

Grant details

$940 towards gender-affirming care.





About Name Change/ID Update

On average, it costs $350+ for Braulio's care.

What is it?

Updating legal documents such as a name change or updating gender markers on IDs allows trans individuals to align their official records with their gender identity. This often includes changes to a driver’s license, passport, Social Security records, and birth certificates.

What is life like for a person who needs this care?

Trans folks with IDs that do not reflect their gender identity often face barriers, including job discrimination, housing issues, and challenges when accessing healthcare or traveling. This can lead to a constant need to explain themselves and increases their risk of harassment or discrimination.

How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?

The process and cost vary by state or country, with fees for court orders, certified copies, and updates to multiple documents. Many trans people also face legal, bureaucratic, or discriminatory hurdles, especially in states with restrictive policies. Financial costs can be prohibitive for those with limited resources.

What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?

Having accurate IDs improves safety, reduces stress, and provides greater freedom and confidence in daily life. It allows trans individuals to navigate healthcare, public spaces, job applications, and travel without fear of being outed or misgendered.