Meet Dakota
Dakota's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Dakota (she/her) is a trans woman from Louisiana. She’s a college student who is financially independent from her family: as a result, she’s had to work multiple jobs to support herself and her tuition needs. Often, Dakota was working 70+ hour weeks to stay afloat. Like so many other applicants, Dakota has to shave twice a day in order to relieve gender dysphoria and feel more safe in public.
She writes, “I have very dark follicles. They grow too fast to shave and the shadow is difficult to cover even with a proper layer of color corrector. The process of having to shave at least twice a day is not only physically uncomfortable, but also a needling mental reminder that I still feel out of place. It is two more times every day that I see my reflection and am left to only hope that I can find myself in it again.” She plans to apply to medical school and is passionate about bringing more trans representation to the healthcare field.
Dakota's timeline
-
Award Granted
May 8, 2019
Dakota was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal! -
Care Received
June 11, 2019
A payment has been made toward Dakota's permanent hair removal! -
Care Received
August 30, 2019
A payment has been made toward Dakota's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$1,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Dakota get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Dakota'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.