Meet Leslie
Leslie's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Leslie (she/her) is a 27-year-old trans woman from Florida who has been struggling with unemployment for approximately a year and a half. She is currently awaiting determination from social security disability for her mental health.
Despite having a feminine appearance, Leslie constantly battles with a lingering 5 o'clock shadow that she can't fully eliminate without makeup. "I don't like to wear makeup always because I like to show my natural beauty off," she explains, but the difficulty of removing facial hair affects her self-esteem. "When I have the difficulty of removing facial hair, I don't really feel beautiful," Leslie adds.
Her mother, is unable to support her, financially. "It's impossible for her to help me out at all, but of course I don't expect her to," she shares.
Receiving support for facial hair removal would significantly enhance Leslie's confidence and be a crucial step in helping her feel truly comfortable in her own skin, despite the financial and emotional challenges she faces.
Leslie's timeline
-
Award Granted
April 22, 2024
Leslie was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
-
Update
May 13, 2024
Leslie shared, "It's really gives me a breath of relief to think I won't have five o'clock shadow right after shaving my face. It really stresses me out having to shave so often and this makes everything seem like there is a light at the end of the tunnel."
-
Care Received
August 22, 2024
A payment has been made toward Leslie's permanent hair removal!
-
Care Received
September 16, 2024
A payment has been made toward Leslie's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
TikTok-a-Thon granteeDonate
Help us support more people like Leslie get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Leslie'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.