Meet Isha
Isha's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Isha (she/her) is currently living and working in India, where her employer doesn't pay her enough to save up for hair removal. She struggles to afford food and rent, and all of her leftover funds go toward her HRT. In the fall of 2024, she will be studying at Florida International University and will need to allocate her loan money toward her schooling.
Isha feels very dysphoric about her facial hair, which makes it difficult for her to participate in society. "I'm afraid that my dysphoria will interfere with my studies," she shares. "Getting electrolysis would make me feel really affirmed in my gender and I would feel confident about myself, which would help me feel less shame and allow me to participate more in classes as a woman. This would allow me to do better in school."
Isha works as a Social Media Director for a nonprofit called Reflect Collective, which is dedicated to queer trans people of color survivors of sexual assault. She believes in restorative justice and strongly advocates for human rights. Receiving electrolysis would be a significant step in helping her feel more confident and affirmed in her identity, enabling her to fully engage in her studies and her advocacy work.
Isha's timeline
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Award Granted
August 19, 2024
Isha was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$4,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Isha get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Isha'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.