Meet Lucia
Lucia's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Lucia (she/her) is a trans woman of color who has been experiencing on-and-off homelessness for the past six years. A dedicated housing rights advocate and land defender, Lucia navigates poverty and C-PTSD while tirelessly supporting her community. Currently in Pennsylvania for the winter, she struggles to stay warm in various houses with her community, often facing sudden eviction.
Despite her challenging circumstances, Lucia scrapes together income to help support her community. However, affording electrolysis is beyond her financial reach at the moment. "I usually shave, but the irritation is a lot and I often don’t have access to a shower," she explains.
Lucia hopes that receiving hair removal services will allow her to no longer worry about looking masculine, reducing her dysphoria and increasing her safety when walking around her neighborhood. "I hope it's one less thing to worry about and to feel affirmed by it continuously," she shares. With this burden lifted, Lucia aims to focus more on the projects that help her community, embodying resilience and determination in her pursuit of both personal and collective well-being.
Lucia's timeline
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Award Granted
April 7, 2024
Lucia was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
June 4, 2024
A payment has been made toward Lucia's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Lucia get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Lucia'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.