Meet Danika

Danika (she/her) began transitioning in 2020 at the age of 49, after a lifelong struggle to accept her transgender identity and come out as her authentic self. She knew who she was from an early age, but the social climate and attitudes toward LGBT people in her part of the world made it feel unsafe to do so. Danika struggled heavily with depression on her journey and is a survivor. Although she is in a state where it is somewhat feasible to obtain treatment for Gender Dysphoria, she has not been able to afford or secure the needed assistance for facial hair removal, one of her largest sources of dysphoria. Her insurance does not cover it. To maintain the insurance that allowed her to continue her transition, Danika had to leave a full-time position at her job.

"This was my second time applying for funding from Point of Pride, and I am so grateful I was able to receive funding to help me live as my authentic self safely and happily," Danika shares.

Danika is an artist who began studying art at an early age and obtained a degree in Studio Arts in 1995. Although she has worked professionally as an artist, she found that doing artwork as a profession erased the joy she found in her creative expression. She now works as a direct support professional, supporting adults with developmental disabilities. "It is not only my job but also my joy," she says. One of her biggest dreams is to meet a partner she can spend the rest of her life with and hopefully adopt and raise a displaced trans child who needs love and support. "I am now 53 and don't know when or if that will happen, but the dream keeps me happy," Danika shares.

Receiving electrolysis treatments will change Danika's life. "Aside from assisting in my health and happiness, it will make me feel safer in this world," she explains. When she first came out, her gender presentation was somewhat awkward as she was not used to expressing herself publicly. Some people were less than kind during that period, and it was challenging. As she grows into herself and feels more comfortable in her skin, people treat her a lot kinder, and she is rarely misgendered. "Electrolysis is the next step in my journey. It will be such a relief to not have constant underlying anxiety and dysphoria as I go about my life. I am extremely happy and excited I was chosen to receive funding for this treatment," Danika concludes.