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Meet Darrell

Darrell

Darrell's story

HRT Access Fund recipient

Darrell (he/him) is transgender man who has been out since 2020. He has faced significant challenges in his journey, including a diagnosis of kidney and colon cancer, which set him back in many areas of his life, including his ability to afford hormone therapy.

Due to his expenses, including gas money for doctor visits and catching up on bills, Darrell struggled to prioritize his hormone treatments, which led to anxiety and feeling disconnected from his true self. Despite these hardships, Darrell's resilience shines through as he continues to search for ways to remain himself without letting fear take over.

Darrell describes himself as kind, accepting, well-mannered, and spiritually grounded, all while maintaining his "country and ghetto" personality. He takes pride in being thoughtful and considerate, adapting to meet the needs of those around him. Darrell's passion lies in changing lives simply by being his genuine self.

For Darrell, receiving gender-affirming healthcare offers him the relief of knowing that his hormone treatments will be consistent, allowing him to focus on catching up on bills and easing the financial burden of his medical journey. Having this security enables Darrell to feel more at peace with himself, free from the stress that has accompanied his health challenges.

Darrell's timeline

  • Award Granted

    August 12, 2024

    Darrell was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT!

Grant details

$975 towards gender-affirming care.





About Testosterone+

On average, it costs $1,200+/year for Darrell's 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.