Meet Isabelle
Isabelle's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Isabelle (she/her) is a disabled trans woman of color. While her health insurance will cover gender-affirming surgery, hair removal is excluded from coverage.
"Not being able to afford hair removal has become a major block from getting the procedure," Isabelle shares. "Access to healthcare will significantly decrease the discomfort I feel with my body and allow me to more confidently express myself." Isabelle describes herself as a nature-lover who enjoys finding new experiences in life, spending time with friends, dancing, and performing on a stage.
Isabelle's timeline
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Award Granted
July 14, 2023
Isabelle was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal! -
Care Received
September 29, 2023
A payment has been made toward Isabelle's permanent hair removal! -
Update
November 7, 2023
Isabelle shared, "My confidence has gone up and i have been able to start hoping for a future where i can feel more comfortable in my own body." -
Care Received
November 8, 2023
A payment has been made toward Isabelle's permanent hair removal! -
Update
December 27, 2023
Isabelle shared, "My mental health has significantly increased as I am able to be excited again about moving towards the next step for getting my body to match who I really am. I get so much discomfort from my gender dysphoria, so every step I can take with my transition, the brighter the whole world around me seems to be." -
Renewal Award Granted
January 25, 2024
Isabelle was offered a renewal award -
Care Received
February 1, 2024
A payment has been made toward Isabelle's permanent hair removal! -
Update
May 3, 2024
Isabelle shared, "I have more confidence in my future after every appointment. At the same time, thanks to this grant I have also been able to start working on removing facial hair which is a huge area I struggle with in feeling comfortable existing as myself. [Access to care] means every day I have the ability to face the world with a smile and something to look to when times are dark.
I got approved for my bottom surgery appointment because enough hair has been cleared!"
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Care Received
May 10, 2024
A payment has been made toward Isabelle's permanent hair removal!
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Update
July 17, 2024
Isabelle shared, "I was approved to have had enough work done to be cleared to schedule bottom surgery. I still have a long way to go for my face but my bottom surgery is less than a year away."
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Care Received
August 30, 2024
A payment has been made toward Isabelle's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,500 towards gender-affirming care.
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About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Isabelle'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.