Meet Merlyn

Merlyn (she/her) recently left El Salvador to seek safety and a better life in the United States. Now living with her brother and brother-in-law, she is working to find her footing in this new country. Although she is applying for asylum, the uncertainty of her legal status has made it difficult for her to access the healthcare she needs, including gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Growing up in El Salvador, Merlyn always knew she was a woman, but societal pressures and a lack of access to appropriate care kept her from living authentically. Now, in the U.S., she is determined to start her transition and live as her true self. However, without medical insurance and facing the challenges of an undocumented status, finding care has been incredibly tough. 

Beyond her journey as a trans woman, Merlyn is a resilient and compassionate person. Her experiences have taught her to be strong in the face of adversity, and she uses that strength to build a better future for herself. She is also deeply empathetic, always seeking to support others who face their own struggles.

Merlyn has a love for creativity, whether through writing, painting, or other forms of self-expression. Her relationships with family and friends are her anchor, and she strives to be a source of strength for them as well. Passionate about learning and growing, Merlyn embraces every experience as an opportunity to evolve. Her sense of humor and ability to find joy in the little things help keep her grounded, reminding her of the beauty in life’s moments, no matter how challenging they may be.

Receiving gender-affirming healthcare will profoundly impact Merlyn’s life, helping her to align her physical appearance with the woman she has always known herself to be. This will bring her a sense of peace, authenticity, and confidence, allowing her to engage more fully in her community, pursue her goals, and live a life that is true to who she is. Gender-affirming care is not just about physical changes; it’s about well-being, mental health, and building a future where she can thrive as a whole, fulfilled person.