Meet Dakota
Dakota's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Dakota (he/him) is a trans man of color living in North Carolina who has been diagnosed with glaucoma. He is on Humira along with six other medications, spending hundreds of dollars on medications he needs each month. His partner, who has been disabled all his life, has limited income, making their financial situation even more challenging.
He was forced to change jobs after being outed by a coworker who came over uninvited, resulting in harassment to the point where his coworkers were trying to file charges against him. Dakota had no choice but to leave and find a new job at the last minute, which has made things rough as he tries to get back on his feet and continue with his surgery plans before North Carolina potentially restricts access to such care.
Receiving any kind of help will significantly push Dakota in the right direction to getting his final surgery, of which permanent hair removal is a prerequisite. He is determined to move forward despite the challenges, and receiving support will be a crucial step in helping him achieve his goals and live his life with greater confidence and security.
Dakota's timeline
-
Award Granted
April 8, 2024
Dakota was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
-
Care Received
May 7, 2024
A payment has been made toward Dakota's permanent hair removal!
-
Update
June 9, 2024
Dakota shared, "[Receiving care] has been amazing. I finally don't feel so hopeless about getting my bottom surgery due to funds It's given me a better light on things."
-
Care Received
July 29, 2024
A payment has been made toward Dakota's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$1,250 towards gender-affirming care.
TikTok-a-Thon granteeDonate
Help us support more people like Dakota get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Masc Award
On average, it costs $1,700+ for Dakota's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- After care
What is it?
Point of Pride provides grants to trans masc people seeking hair removal on an area of their body in preparation for bottom surgery.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Electrolysis and laser hair removal services are often deemed cosmetic and therefore not covered by health insurance plans, even if such services are medical prerequisites for a covered surgery. For people who cannot afford hair removal, they are stuck without options to move forward with their healthcare needs.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
After completing hair removal, these folks are able to move forward with their surgeries. In itself, this often leads to a more positive emotional well-being, increased confidence, and more.