Meet Gem
Gem's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Gem (no pronouns) is a trans femme of color who lives with long-standing mental illnesses. Suffering mistreatment from the medical profession, public, and family, Gem has felt profound alienation. Despite this, Gem remains resilient.
The sight of hair on Gem's body induces a profound dysphoria. "I'm not doing it intentionally, but I’m shaving my body to the point that it hurts to try to avoid stubble," Gem explains. "I'll scrub with exfoliating products in hopes to weaken the hair." This process consumes so much time and causes so much anguish that other tasks are becoming more difficult to accomplish.
Receiving support for hair removal would significantly improve Gem's quality of life, helping alleviate the daily anguish and allowing for a more comfortable and confident outlook.
Gem's timeline
-
Award Granted
April 4, 2024
Gem was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
-
Care Received
April 22, 2024
A payment has been made toward Gem's permanent hair removal!
-
Update
June 2, 2024
Gem shared, "[Hair removal] is giving me more confidence in everyday life. Not only in a superficial way but in knowing that you are making progress towards your ultimate goal. Although it’s different for all of us for most it’s a long expensive process that can be extremely overwhelming. Having less hair to remove each day lightens your already heavy load of transitioning. I smile more I can feel my presence among others is more accepting due to the way it’s making my soul shine a little brighter. When you live your truth I feel the Universe aligns with who you are and people and your experiences in life change for the better each day. To put into words how important this is to my life is impossible. It’s absolutely necessary and I am so thankful for what Point Of Pride is doing for me. "
-
Care Received
June 5, 2024
A payment has been made toward Gem's permanent hair removal!
-
Care Received
June 26, 2024
A payment has been made toward Gem's permanent hair removal!
-
Care Received
July 10, 2024
A payment has been made toward Gem's permanent hair removal!
-
Care Received
August 13, 2024
A payment has been made toward Gem's permanent hair removal!
-
Care Received
September 10, 2024
A payment has been made toward Gem's permanent hair removal!
-
Care Received
September 20, 2024
A payment has been made toward Gem's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$6,000 towards gender-affirming care.
TikTok-a-Thon granteeDonate
Help us support more people like Gem get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Gem'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.