Meet Lisa
Lisa's story
HRT Access Fund recipient
Lisa (she/her) is a 58-year-old trans woman. Due to gender dysphoria, she has always felt like she was born the wrong gender from a young age; she is also on the autism spectrum, which makes it difficult for her to "function at more than the lowest-paying jobs." A recent infection which required two hospitalizations has forced her out of work for some time. Since returning, both jobs have only employed her for only 1-2 days a week, making it hard to afford gender-affirming care.
Lisa's loyalty to friends and work ethics are well known by acquaintances and co-workers. She is known for her completely over-the-top sense of dry, sarcastic humor, and a lifelong obsession with Titanic (the ship, not the movie) history. She shared, "Access to HRT will allow me to be the person I really am, and give me a sense of peace, and perhaps even enable me to move into a more productive job and live, allowing me to be financially self-sustaining."
Lisa's timeline
-
Award Granted
July 22, 2022
Lisa was awarded a grant toward HRT/GaHT! -
HRT Onboarding Date
October 1, 2022
Lisa was seen by her HRT/GaHT provider. -
Update
March 27, 2023
Lisa shared, "I have found myself to be more cognizant, more even-tempered and "agreeable" rather than the violent mood swings I used to have, and far more of a feeling of happiness and euphoria. It has made me improve a LOT in the social interactions that Asperger's previously made nearly impossible. I function FAR better at work then I did before. Before HRT, I was never "happy" - the best I had were occasional dayshours where I was less miserable than normal. I feel as if I am growing into the body I was meant to have, but failed to get biologically. I smile a lot more now, where I used to hardly smile at all." -
Update
April 28, 2023
Lisa shared, "I am calmer, more mentally stable, and far more satisfied with my body. I have experienced a "happiness" that I never have felt before in my life, which was always depression, anger, and negativity. I have become FAR more "social", whereas before I avoided talking to nearly anybody. It has helped greatly with emotional stability, which before was nonexistent. A great deal of OCD has been lessened. Old traumatic memories which have totally dominated my personality with anger, bitterness, and hatred, have for a large part retreated. I feel as if I am becoming the actual person I really am."
Grant details
$2,200 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Lisa get the care they need and deserve.
About Estrogen+
On average, it costs $1,700+/year for Lisa's care.
- What is it?
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Estrogen+ refers to the gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT) methods that some trans women, trans femme, and non-binary people take that result in physical changes which align with their gender identity. Every person's preferences and personal healthcare needs vary, so this can include oral medications, injections, and transdermal patches.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
For trans folks who live in states most impacted by anti-trans healthcare legislation, it can be extremely difficult to find a knowledgeable, trans-affirming provider as well as access prescription medication. Many insurance plans do not cover HRT. For trans folks without insurance coverage, the ongoing out-of-pocket expense can be challenging.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
Estogen+ introduces a wide range of feminizing physical, emotional, and psychological changes that align with their gender identity. This often leads to a more positive emotional well-being, increased confidence, increased safety when in public, and better opportunities at employment and more.