Meet Matthew
Matthew's story
Thrive Fund recipient
Matthew (he/him) is from rural Appalachia in Eastern Kentucky, where seeking transgender care, even a name change, carries social and physical danger. He struggled to keep a job due to disability, homophobia, and transphobia, and relied on discrete community support to make a change, but funds were largely out of reach until he relocated to an area with more queer support and resources.
Matthew is a college student pursuing an American Sign Language degree with a certificate in Asian Studies. He considers himself a jack of all trades and enjoys engaging with all of the arts, language/cultural study, gaming, mechanical work, and writing. He is also an amateur drag queen.
He is excited to finally be accepted as his real name without fear of retribution every time someone sees his legal name at the doctor, courthouse, school, or otherwise. He also feels that it is a large and important step on a transgender road that has many twists and turns yet to go.
Matthew's timeline
Grant details
$125 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Matthew get the care they need and deserve.
About Name Change/ID Update
On average, it costs $350+ for Matthew's care.
- What is it?
- Before care
- Accessibility
- After care
What is it?
Updating legal documents such as a name change or updating gender markers on IDs allows trans individuals to align their official records with their gender identity. This often includes changes to a driver’s license, passport, Social Security records, and birth certificates.
What is life like for a person who needs this care?
Trans folks with IDs that do not reflect their gender identity often face barriers, including job discrimination, housing issues, and challenges when accessing healthcare or traveling. This can lead to a constant need to explain themselves and increases their risk of harassment or discrimination.
How accessible is it for trans folks to receive this care?
The process and cost vary by state or country, with fees for court orders, certified copies, and updates to multiple documents. Many trans people also face legal, bureaucratic, or discriminatory hurdles, especially in states with restrictive policies. Financial costs can be prohibitive for those with limited resources.
What is the impact of this care on the recipient’s life?
Having accurate IDs improves safety, reduces stress, and provides greater freedom and confidence in daily life. It allows trans individuals to navigate healthcare, public spaces, job applications, and travel without fear of being outed or misgendered.