Meet Joanna
Joanna's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Joanna (she/her) is overjoyed to receive support for her hair removal journey. After being fired from her job of 10.5 years the day after her 65th birthday, she found herself on social security, making $1,300 a month, and struggling to afford treatments since March 2023. The thought of never being able to complete her hair removal weighed heavily on her.
"I started late in life, so it’s extremely important to me," Joanna shares. "My mom beat me from the age of 3 or 4 until she kicked me out at 16. My family disowned me, and I never had friends because I couldn’t be myself. Six years ago, I started with an endocrinologist instead of doing it on my own. I have disk degeneration and am handicapped now too. To keep moving forward, I need this so badly."
Receiving this support means Joanna can now complete her hair removal and embrace her true self with confidence and joy. "This help is a blessing that gives me hope for a future where I can finally be me, free from the shadows of my past."
Joanna's timeline
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Award Granted
April 7, 2024
Joanna was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
April 19, 2024
A payment has been made toward Joanna's permanent hair removal!
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Update
May 24, 2024
Joanna shared, "I am so grateful to Point of Pride for giving me some peace of mind of myself as a person. I do 2 hours every 3 weeks now and I feel better every time my electrolysis tells me about areas that are done now. I never thought I would be able to get rid of all my facial hair and that would make me extremely depressed.
[Electrolysis] means everything to me. I just hate having to let my hair grow out 3 days before my appointments. Every time I finish a session with my electrologist I feel I am that much closer to being accepted.... To being the person I was always meant to be. My electrolysis is my life saver no matter what anyone else feels about it.
Thank god my electrologist told me about PoP as it was like a life saver on a sea of despair. The most notable update to me is my peace of mind. "
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Care Received
July 18, 2024
A payment has been made toward Joanna's permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
September 11, 2024
A payment has been made toward Joanna's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$4,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Joanna get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Joanna'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.