Meet Chandler
Chandler's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Chandler (he/they) is a 22-year-old Black trans guy. He is unemployed due to his mental health, and his long lasting dream of starting T has been out of reach due to his financial hardships. Having recently moved away from a unsupportive environment, he has been learning to navigate the newfound independence and find his chosen family.
"Receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy will tremendously improve my overall well-being and allow me to truly see myself in the mirror for the first time," Chandler shares. "Voice dysphoria has prevented me from fully pursuing a music career, so I’m excited to hear myself and learn how to sing with my new voice." Chandler knows that the experience will be a life altering journey and he can’t wait to go along for the ride.
A multi-instrumentalist musician and poet, Chandler notes that music has gotten him through the hardest times. He hopes to one day share his art with the world.
Chandler's timeline
-
Award Granted
September 13, 2023
Chandler was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT! -
HRT Onboarding Date
September 29, 2023
Chandler was seen by their HRT/GaHT provider. -
Update
January 8, 2024
Chandler shared, "My quality of life has improved so much since receiving this grant. I'm able to express my gender in ways that I was never comfortable with before. Each time I take my HRT, it's a radical act of self care and a reclamation of my own body. Having access to GAHT allows me to look in the mirror confidently, hold my head high and speak up for myself and the injustices surrounding my community." -
Update
March 31, 2024
Chandler shared, "I am able to go out in society and not worry too much about being misgendered and about how I am perceived. My confidence levels have skyrocketed and new opportunities have been created because of this confidence.
My daily dysphoria levels have drastically decreased which allows me to do more things that I love, more often. I am now able to sing and be more creative and not worry about who hears me. I'm currently working on my first album/EP and hope to have it out by the end of summer.
The program has made accessible healthcare actually accessible which is something a lot of programs claim to do but fail to do effectively. I am thoroughly impressed and continue to be by the ease of every step."
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Update
May 26, 2024
Chandler shared, "My confidence continues to increase every day and I’m able to live in the moment, rather than constantly worrying about how I look and sound.
I’ve been able to volunteer for more community projects and do things that, without HRT, I wouldn’t have even dreamt of!"
Grant details
$900 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Chandler get the care they need and deserve.
About Testosterone+
On average, it costs $1,200+/year for Chandler's care.
- What is it?
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Testosterone+ refers to the gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT) methods that some trans men, trans masc, 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?
Testosterone+ introduces a wide range of masculinizing 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.