Meet Natalia
Natalia's story
Electrolysis Support Fund recipient
Natalia (she/her) is a 35-year-old trans woman who is not only battling her own identity struggles but is also the sole support for her brother and sister, abandoned by an absent father and a mother who is incarcerated. Every month is a financial tightrope, leaving no room for savings. "Shaving my visible facial hair is a daily reminder of the hurdles I face," she shares.
Receiving hair removal services isn't just about aesthetics for Natalia; it's a lifeline to dignity and self-empowerment. "It means redirecting scarce resources from the constant struggle to meet basic needs. Beyond that, it's a transformative step towards aligning my appearance with my identity."
More than that, Natalia knows hair removal may help with employment opportunities as well as increased safety and emotional well-being. "The prospect of receiving these services isn't just a cosmetic fix; it's a beacon of hope."
Natalia's timeline
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Award Granted
April 12, 2024
Natalia was awarded a grant toward permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
June 12, 2024
A payment has been made toward Natalia's permanent hair removal!
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Care Received
July 26, 2024
A payment has been made toward Natalia's permanent hair removal!
Grant details
$2,000 towards gender-affirming care.
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Help us support more people like Natalia get the care they need and deserve.
About Hair Removal: Femme Award
On average, it costs $2,300+ for Natalia'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.