Meet Haley
Haley's story
Thrive Fund recipient
Haley (she/her) is a hardworking transgender woman navigating the financial challenges of accessing gender-affirming care while living paycheck to paycheck. Despite working full-time and sharing expenses with a roommate, the high costs of HRT-related lab work have put a significant strain on her finances. Haley has had to make difficult sacrifices, including going hungry, just to prioritize her medical care and co-pays.
A large source of Haley’s gender dysphoria stems from her hair and overall presentation. For her, hair is a powerful part of femininity, expression, and confidence. Access to a high-quality, gender-affirming wig would profoundly impact her life—allowing her to express her identity more authentically and boosting her self-esteem as she transitions both personally and professionally.
Haley shared, “Sometimes I hate going out because of how I look. I just want to feel complete, to feel like myself. This wig isn’t just hair—it’s about feeling confident, recognized, and at ease as the woman I truly am.” Access to a wig will help Haley take a meaningful step toward presenting herself more comfortably and confidently in public, at work, and at home.
Haley's timeline
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Award Granted
November 18, 2024
Juliana was awarded a Thrive Fund award!
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December 17, 2024
A retail purchase was made on behalf of Juliana!
Grant details
$1,515 towards gender-affirming care.
Donate
Help us support more people like Haley get the care they need and deserve.
About Wig
On average, it costs $400+ for Haley's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Wigs can be a vital tool for trans individuals, particularly trans femme people, to express their gender identity. Wigs are often used to create a hairstyle that aligns with one's presentation, especially when natural hair growth is impacted by genetics, hormones, or medical treatments.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
For trans folks experiencing hair loss or dysphoria around their natural hair, finding a solution that affirms their gender can feel daunting. Without access to an affirming wig, some individuals may avoid public spaces or social interactions due to discomfort or fear of discrimination.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
High-quality wigs can be expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars. Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of wigs. Affordable options are often low quality, less durable, or unrealistic in appearance.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
A well-fitted, high-quality wig can boost confidence, reduce gender dysphoria, and help trans individuals feel more aligned with their gender identity. It can also improve mental health by enabling self-expression and facilitating social integration.