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Meet Ivy

Ivy's story

Electrolysis Support Fund recipient

Ivy

Ivy (she/her) is  a 31-year-old trans woman of color. Since coming out as trans in her senior year of high school, she's struggled to financially afford gender-affirming care. Despite challenges in her life, she's been able to access hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for over two years.

Ivy works hard in a  customer-facing, retail management job and is proud of her ability to grow and face new challenges every day. Because of all the daily interactions she has with strangers, Ivy shared, "Access to permanent hair removal will help me so much, because 97% of the time, I don't wear makeup at work. Electrolysis will help me feel better about myself and not worry about what people say or think when they ask me for help." 

Ivy's timeline

  • Award Granted

    April 23, 2022

    Ivy was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
  • Care Received

    June 21, 2022

    A payment has been made toward Ivy's permanent hair removal!
  • Care Received

    October 1, 2022

    A payment has been made toward Ivy's permanent hair removal!

Grant details

$1,000 towards gender-affirming care.

TikTok-a-Thon grantee





About Hair Removal: Femme Award

On average, it costs $2,300+ for Ivy's 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.