Meet Jessica
Jessica's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Jessica (she/they) is a 39-year-old AAPI trans woman currently in the process of getting GRS, which she is thankful is covered under insurance. However, while Medicaid covers gender-affirming surgeries, it does not cover electrolysis. Jessica is currently unemployed and lives with her ex-husband, who understands her situation though cannot financially help her due to his own debt.
Jessica also has debt from bills, which are now on reduced payment plans. She quit her job back in 2014 due to discrimination from customers where she worked. Although she has been shaving, it will not suffice for the necessary hair removal required for GRS/bottom surgery. "With surgery, I also don't have to worry about untucking in public, and I'd like to deal with my facial hair as well because of dysphoria," Jessica shares.
"Hopefully, after GRS, I can work again," she adds.
Receiving support for electrolysis will significantly improve Jessica's quality of life, helping her feel more comfortable and confident in her identity and better preparing her for her upcoming surgery and future employment opportunities.
Jessica's timeline
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Award Granted
April 4, 2024
Jessica was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
April 25, 2024
A payment has been made toward Jessica's permanent hair removal!
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Update
June 5, 2024
Jessica shared, "It’s been wonderful since I started. I’m two sessions in with the facial area and I love that I don’t have to shave as much as I did. I’m fortunate to not have much hair to begin with but it was still noticeable since I have black hair. Hopefully it’ll only take a few more sessions before my FFS consultation to get rid of it completely, but even if it’s not completely gone by that time, I’m so grateful for Point of Pride for all the help they’re giving to people who need Gender Affirming Care."
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Care Received
June 6, 2024
A payment has been made toward Jessica's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Jessica get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Jessica'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.