Meet Maya
Maya's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Maya (she/her), is a 26-year-old autistic trans femme woman seeking facial hair removal services. She has struggled deeply with depression, trying for years to alleviate it through traditional antidepressants and alternative medicines and therapies. These efforts have left Maya in a difficult financial situation, making it hard to afford the care she needs.
Her dysphoria is deeply intertwined with her struggles, compounded by PTSD related to sharp objects, which makes shaving incredibly difficult. "Not having to wake up to looking in the mirror at how badly I need to shave, and not having to pick up the razor to shave," Maya shares.
Maya loves playing video games, tabletop games, and having fun with people, though she is very shy. She has always loved computers and tinkering with them. Maya is also polyamorous and finds joy in spending her life with the people around her.
Receiving facial hair removal services will greatly help Maya in her struggles with dysphoria. Skipping the routine of shaving would go miles in helping her focus on the issues she faces, instead of the skin she's in. This healthcare support would be a significant step towards improving her mental health and overall well-being, allowing her to live more comfortably and confidently.
Maya's timeline
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Award Granted
April 8, 2024
Maya was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
May 27, 2024
A payment has been made toward Maya's permanent hair removal!
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Update
July 11, 2024
Maya shared, "I've had two sessions now, with the second session just a few days ago. Even after just one session, I've noticed quite a bit of change in my facial hair. It grows noticeably slower and thinner, not quite so thick. I used to need to shave every day or two to keep it at manageable levels, but now I can go 2-3 days without it being super noticable. Its been so nice to have more days between shaving, and I'm excited for it to keep going up!"
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Maya get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Maya'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.