Meet Jo
Jo's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Jo (she/her) is a 32-year-old trans woman and mother, the sole provider for her family of three. On a fixed income, Jo and her family rely on Medicaid for her prescriptions and future gender-affirming surgery. This reliance has made it impossible for her to afford the required hair removal for her surgery. For the past year, Jo has desperately grappled with this barrier to her much-needed care.
"Being able to receive gender-affirming care will brighten my life in many ways," Jo shares. "I can now achieve the hair removal required for my gender-affirming surgery, which is not covered by insurance in my state." Before learning about Point of Pride, Jo felt she had to choose between obtaining the care she desperately needs and supporting her family. "I chose my family, but now I can have both thanks to this grant."
An active community member, Jo volunteers at a bike shop that provides bicycles to children in need and with her city's local LGBTQ+ youth programs. In her free time, she enjoys cycling, drawing, and spending time with her partner and their daughter.
Jo's timeline
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Award Granted
April 5, 2024
Jo was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
June 13, 2024
A payment has been made toward Jo's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Jo get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Jo'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.